Lionel Messi found himself at the centre of a fresh controversy on 2026 World Cup day when Zlatan Ibrahimović blasted FIFA supporters for overlooking a handball goal by Kylian Mbappé, saying the outrage was a double‑standard aimed at Messi.
What did Zlatan say?
Ibrahimović, speaking to X via @appiecule, argued that the silence after France’s opening goal against Morocco was stark compared with the fury that followed Argentina’s Round‑of‑16 win over Egypt. He quoted, “Today, more than ever, I’m convinced the campaign after the Argentina‑Egypt game wasn’t against Argentina—it was aimed specifically at Messi.” The former striker added that Messi’s critics “have completely disappeared” once the Argentine star’s team advanced.
Why the handball matters
In the France‑Morocco match, Mbappé’s first‑half strike was ruled valid despite a clear handball by midfielder Adrien Rabiot in the buildup. FIFA rules require a VAR review when a handball leads directly to a goal, yet officials did not intervene. Ibrahimović used the incident to illustrate what he sees as selective outrage, suggesting that fans who defended Messi’s “FIFA support” vanished when the French goal stood.
How the Messi backlash unfolded
Argentina’s 1‑0 victory over Egypt in the Round of 16 sparked a cascade of complaints. A VAR review disallowed an Egyptian goal after a foul by Marwan Attia, fueling claims that FIFA favoured the defending champions. Fans rallied around Messi, accusing the governing body of bias. Ibrahimović contrasted that fervour with the muted reaction to Mbappé’s handball, implying that the Messi‑centric anger was the real driver of the debate.
What this means for Messi’s image
The former striker’s comments highlight how Messi’s legacy continues to polarise. While some fans defend his achievements, others see every contentious decision through a Messi‑focused lens. Ibrahimović’s claim that “Cristiano Ronaldo’s fanbase is extremely emotional and simply doesn’t like Messi” adds another layer, turning the discussion into a broader rivalry narrative rather than a pure refereeing issue.
What’s next for the World Cup?
FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer has already defended the officials, insisting the match‑officials acted within the rules. With the tournament still in its early stages, more high‑stakes games will test the consistency of VAR applications. Whether fans will shift their focus away from Messi or keep using him as a barometer for fairness remains to be seen.
How fans are reacting now
Social media threads are buzzing. Some users echo Ibrahimović, demanding equal scrutiny for all teams. Others argue that Messi’s stature naturally draws more attention, and that any perceived bias is simply a reflection of his global influence. The debate shows no sign of cooling as the World Cup progresses.
Bottom line
Zlatan’s remarks have turned a technical officiating slip into a cultural flashpoint, with Lionel Messi at the heart of the conversation. As the tournament unfolds, the scrutiny of refereeing decisions will likely stay intertwined with the ongoing saga of Messi’s impact on the sport.