​Lionel Messi dismissed claims that Argentina have benefited from favourable treatment after reaching a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final.The captain said Argentina’s success is built on sustained excellence over the past four years rather than outside influence.Argentina will face Spain in Sunday’s final after producing another dramatic comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the semifinals.Lionel Messi has dismissed suggestions that Argentina’s run to another FIFA World Cup final has been aided by favourable officiating, insisting the reigning champions have earned their success through consistent performances rather than outside assistance.Argentina booked their place in Sunday’s final with a dramatic 2-1 victory over England, recovering from a second-half deficit as Enzo Fernández equalised before Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in stoppage time. The comeback sparked celebrations across Buenos Aires and kept alive Argentina’s bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe semifinal victory continued a tournament in which Argentina have repeatedly found ways to survive difficult moments. Lionel Scaloni’s side required extra time to overcome both Cape Verde and Switzerland before producing another remarkable recovery from two goals down to eliminate Egypt in the round of 16.Those victories, however, have also been accompanied by criticism from opponents.Egypt coach Hossam Hassan questioned several refereeing decisions following his team’s defeat, while Switzerland manager Murat Yakin criticised the decision that led to Breel Embolo’s dismissal during the quarterfinal.The controversy has fuelled wider claims from sections of supporters and commentators that Argentina have received favourable treatment throughout the tournament, allegations that have circulated widely on social media in recent weeks.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMessi rejected those suggestions after Wednesday’s semifinal, arguing Argentina’s achievements over the past four years speak for themselves.”We’ve been the best over these past four years, whether people like it or not,” Messi said.”Once again, we’ve established ourselves among the top two teams in the world.””That proves everything we’ve achieved is no fluke and that nothing was handed to us.”The debate intensified after Argentina’s quarterfinal against Switzerland.Shortly after Dan Ndoye equalised for the Swiss, referee François Letexier initially booked Leandro Paredes before a video review determined Breel Embolo had simulated the challenge. Because Embolo had already received a yellow card earlier in the match, the Switzerland forward was sent off, leaving his side to complete the contest with 10 players.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementYakin described the decision as a turning point and questioned the regulation that allowed the intervention.”It’s very painful that we were eliminated that way,” he said after the match.Egypt