Messi's Winning Goal Sparks Controversy Over Possible Foul on England's Spence

Argentina secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 World Cup, but the match's decisive moment has ignited debate on social media regarding a potential foul by Lionel Messi. The controversy centers on the buildup to Lautaro Martínez's winning goal, where Messi appeared to collide with England defender Jed Spence. Some viewers claim Messi stepped on Spence's foot, which they argue should have prompted a VAR review.

Video footage shows Messi aggressively challenging for the ball near Spence, who was seen holding his leg in apparent pain. However, opinions differ, with some arguing Messi did not make significant contact and that Spence's injury may have resulted from a separate incident. Despite the claims, the VAR did not intervene, and the goal stood.

Social media users expressed contrasting views, with some accusing the referees of overlooking a clear foul, while others defended Messi, suggesting the contact was minimal or incidental. The debate highlights ongoing discussions about VAR's role and consistency in officiating during the tournament.

The incident remains a talking point as Argentina advances, with fans and analysts continuing to scrutinize the match footage to determine whether a foul occurred before the winning goal. The 2026 World Cup continues to generate passionate reactions and controversies surrounding key refereeing decisions.