Egypt’s FIFA World Cup exit to Argentina continues to generate controversy days after the final whistle. Head coach Hossam Hassan has now turned his criticism directly toward Lionel Messi, accusing the Argentina captain of deliberately trying to provoke his players during their heated Round of 16 encounter in Atlanta.
Hassan Explains the “X” Gesture Controversy
Speaking to Egyptian outlet Kora Plus, Hassan addressed footage that showed him making an “X” gesture after Messi approached Egypt’s technical area during the match. He described Messi’s behavior as intentionally inflammatory, suggesting the forward wanted to stir up tension on the sideline rather than simply contest the game. Hassan claimed Messi came with the intention of provoking them and that his actions even contributed to a red card during the match.
A Collapse That Fueled the Controversy
The comments follow an already tense build-up, with Egypt having previously accused FIFA of favoring Messi and the defending champions in officiating decisions. Hassan’s frustration appears rooted in Egypt’s dramatic capitulation: having led 2-0, the team ultimately fell 3-2 as Argentina scored three goals in the final 13 minutes to complete a stunning comeback. Hassan has also questioned refereeing and VAR decisions, arguing they swung momentum in Argentina’s favor during the collapse.
The incident has kept the match in the headlines well after Argentina’s progression through the knockout stage, with debate continuing over Messi’s conduct, Egypt’s second-half defensive breakdown, and the officiating that oversaw one of the tournament’s most dramatic reversals. Argentina have moved on in the competition, but the accusations from Hassan suggest the rivalry’s aftershocks are far from over, with Egyptian football figures unwilling to let the controversy fade quietly.