​The truth behind referee Ismail Elfath’s 100% record with Lionel Messi originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The fact, in and of itself, is true: Lionel Messi has never lost a game officiated by Ismail Elfath.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementElfath, who works in MLS, has overseen five of Messi’s matches.All five of those matches ended in wins by Messi.But there’s more to this story than that — Elfath’s assignment to England-Argentina for the World Cup semifinal is far from a sign that the tournament is “rigged” for Messi.MORE: Christian Pulisic gives a terrible answer after World Cup-ending lossThere’s no actual evidence that this ref plays favorites with Messi.The reality is best spelled out by Kyle Bonn of The Sporting News in this post on X:Refs on Messi matches are a lot more likely to see Messi win than lose. That’s just how this works.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementElfath is an incredible story in his own right. He emigrated from Casablanca to Texas when he was 18 after winning a diversity visa lottery, and he arrived with almost no money.His officiating career followed a short playing career, but it almost ended when he needed two knee operations after Copa America 2024.Now, Elfath is on the whistle for a World Cup semifinal. It’s the biggest day of his career.Erling Haaland brought a wild $750 gift home from the World CupAn on-brand finish to Neymar’s Brazil careerLionel Messi makes announcer lose his mind in 35-second goal callJerry Jones booed during World Cup match in DallasActor who played Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso makes pro soccer debut