“It’s Obvious They Want Messi To Win This World Cup” – Fans Slam Controversial Penalty Against France

Opposition fans are furious after VAR did not intervene for Argentina’s controversial first-half penalty against France in the World Cup final.

France star Ousmane Dembele brought down Argentina winger Angel di Maria inside the box with the slightest bit of contact, which led to referee Szymon Marciniak pointing to the spot.

Despite the minimal contact, VAR did not overturn the decision and Argentina captain Lionel Messi stepped up for the subsequent spot-kick.

READ ALSO: “Scaloni Is A Genius” “Redemption Day” – Fans Ecstatic As Di Maria Earns Surprise Start Against France

Argentina star Messi, who was tied in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot ahead of the final, expertly sent Hugo Lloris the wrong way by slotting into the bottom right corner.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner received a spine-tingling reception from fans inside the Lusail Stadium after opening the scoring for the 2021 Copa America champions.

However, fans were not impressed with the referee’s controversial penalty decision and voiced their frustrations on social media.

Argentina doubled their lead in the first half after Messi flicked the ball into the path of Julian Alvarez, who played Alexis Mac Allister through.

Allister then played in a delightful low ball into the path of Di Maria, who fired a beautiful finish past a helpless Lloris.

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France manager Didier Deschamps made the shock decision to take Olivier Giroud and Demebele off in the first half for Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani.

Argentina lead defending World Cup champions France 2-0 at half-time.

Below are some of the reactions on Twitter:

They called this a penalty?? No VAR check, no conscience!!!
A rigged World Cup!!!??
Controversy about this World Cup in Qatar started with the hosting right, and it’s clear that criminal activity may just be involved. Messi na getting more penalties pic.twitter.com/PohMir4YGP

— President Eniola Daniel (@UnlimitedEniola) December 18, 2022

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Don’t get me wrong Argentina have been better but that is never a penalty. Not even a VAR check pic.twitter.com/tSyOQVIupl

— Amit Zohar (@amitttrmfc) December 18, 2022

This is the most Rigged World Cup of all time! This is the easiest penalty I’ve ever seen!!

France Vs Argentina Fifa World Cup pic.twitter.com/fVyjla0vBX

— KDC COMEDIAN (@im_kdc) December 18, 2022

How the fuck is this a PK?
it’s obvious they want Messi to win this worldcup. this is annoying! #ArgentinaVsFrance

Rigged
No VAR
PK
Penalty
Peter Dury pic.twitter.com/MimCm4VQmx

— Olakunle of Lagos😎 (@kingkunle007) December 18, 2022

This World Cup is more fixed for Argentina than the 1978 World Cup

Argentina have now had more penalties in this World Cup than any team in history#ArgentinaVsFrance

— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) December 18, 2022

6 penalties awarded in 7 games for Lionel Messi this World Cup.

But they get to call Cristiano Ronaldo “Penaldo“. 😂
Imagine if this was him instead. This World Cup is so rigged.

Copa America played 4 times in 5 years so a certain player can win it.

Argentina awarded the most penalties in the history of the World Cup so a certain player can win it.

Football is ruined. Thank you FIFA!

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— UG 🇫🇷 (@UgwunnaEjikem) December 18, 2022

— TCR. (@TeamCRonaldo) December 18, 2022

Do me a favor. Focus on the legs of di Maria. No contact. How was that a penalty? No VAR lol pic.twitter.com/K1yjjFPDNe

— Jeez ✘𝓞 (@Jessuuuuss_6) December 18, 2022

Copa America played 4 times in 5 years so a certain player can win it.

Argentina awarded the most penalties in the history of the World Cup so a certain player can win it.

Football is ruined. Thank you FIFA!

— UG 🇫🇷 (@UgwunnaEjikem) December 18, 2022

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