Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 comeback win over Egypt is followed by controversy after an on-field exchange involving Lionel Messi and Egypt coach Hossam Hassan in the match’s closing stages. Multiple reports describe heated interactions after Argentina took the lead late in the game. Times of India says the confrontation led to a member of Egypt’s staff being sent off with a red card after confronting Messi. NDTV and Free Press Journal add that Hassan made FIFA’s anti-racism “crossed arms” gesture toward officials shortly after an exchange on the sidelines, and that the referee briefly acknowledged the signal and the anti-racism protocol was activated. Free Press Journal reports that the referee shown the Egypt coach a yellow card soon after.
In the aftermath, Hassan publicly criticizes the officiating, alleging decisions affected the result, including claims of an incorrect or denied goal following VAR and a late penalty that Egypt did not receive. FIFA has not confirmed the precise details of the incident or whether any further disciplinary action will follow, but the match’s tension and the anti-racism protocol activation are drawing continued attention.
