Messi: We suffered greatly, but this is the World Cup, where everyone is evenly matched

Wrong—the yellow card was rescinded because the goal was disallowed. Prior to the 80th minute, only Egypt’s yellow card (and resulting penalty kick) stood.

Watching the match, you knew the comments section would explode—there were just too many talking points. Yet one thing many fail to grasp is that Argentina actually played extremely intelligently. You can play as cleanly as Spain, or—as is typical of South American teams like Argentina—incorporate more subtle physicality. Argentina clearly understood how to probe and gauge the referee’s threshold for intervention, gaining advantages without picking up cards or committing outright fouls. You can’t expect every team to abandon tactical nuance and play wide-open, high-risk football—and you certainly can’t demand all teams play with spotless discipline and restraint. Not every side possesses Spain’s elite technical proficiency on the ball; this very diversity is what makes football compelling. Yes, Argentina employed more subtle physical tactics—but if the referee had tightened the whistle, Argentina might’ve earned two or three yellow cards, and their players would have adjusted their challenges accordingly. Players inevitably adapt their conduct based on the referee’s interpretation. Regarding accusations of a “fixed” or “biased” refereeing performance: The officiating in this match was largely unproblematic, with no major errors in critical decisions. I hadn’t anticipated the two goalscoring sequences sparking such intense controversy. First, Egypt broke through into Argentina’s penalty area and scored—but an initial foul *was* committed, visible even before VAR review. Second, Salah was dispossessed inside the box with no infringement; upon replay, he even appeared to simulate contact. Some argue Argentina received zero yellows—a sign of bias? While it’s fair to say the officiating leaned slightly in Argentina’s favor, that tilt stems precisely from the intelligence displayed by this young Argentine squad—the same point made earlier. Could a stricter referee have dished out a few yellows? Possibly. But would that have altered the outcome? No. Had Argentina failed to hold on late or struggled to score, Egypt would still have won—but Egypt’s composure and stamina visibly deteriorated as the match wore on. Once again, Argentina’s intelligent approach shone through—not only exploiting marginal refereeing margins but also gaining a decisive psychological edge. In summary, neutral fans may reasonably view the match as slightly favorable to Argentina—but this style has been central to Argentina’s approach since 2021. They know exactly how to operate within the referee’s parameters, and adapting to those parameters is fundamental for any top-tier team—it’s simply part of the game. Only once we accept the referee’s framework can we meaningfully analyze tactics and strategy. Labeling the performance “biased refereeing” is pure emotional venting—baseless and unfounded. When Argentina trailed 0–2, they felt submerged—gasping for air. I’d accepted defeat, reasoning that exposed flanks and Messi’s poor display justified it; I’d even accepted an early exit before the 70th minute. Yet they delivered over twenty minutes of outstanding football to overturn the deficit—filling the hole they’d dug in the first 70. You’re free to dislike this version of Argentina—but please show respect, rein in your emotions, and refocus on the match itself. Wasn’t the match itself utterly thrilling?

Has Asamah made so many enemies?

Calling it a “black whistle” automatically grants Portuguese citizenship!

Indeed, they’re so anxious they’ve even reported the top comments.

In the second image, the cleat studs indeed scraped the top of the foot.

Can’t you type for yourself anymore?

Can’t find the black box? The Brazilian plane should have arrived in the capital.

It’s just Mei having no cards.

Go kneel before the referee right now!

A match decided by just a single penalty kick—truly agonizing.

**

I’m not a Messi fan, but Ronaldo truly doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Messi—he lacks the ability yet insists on leaning on seniority, occupying a position without delivering.

Messi Amid a Putrid Victory

Go to sleep quickly.

Exactly.

Are you the one transferring him? Just wait.

Do you even deserve it? You’ve trashed Cape Verde too.

Ugly person, messy affairs

I didn’t insult your family, nor did I curse your relatives—online platforms aren’t places where you can post whatever you like. Wait until dawn.

Ugly Round of 16—just go to bed.

To be honest, I’m not at all anxious. Why? Because I play the international version of Pro Evolution Soccer—so I’d actually be thrilled if Messi reaches the final and faces off against Mbappé once again; that way, Konami can release new “BT Mbappé” and “Tank Messi” versions. Honestly, “Tank Messi” is truly excellent to use. So, good luck! Make it to the final—I want to get my hands on the brand-new you.

Review of Xiwang: Pure Black

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