Lionel Messi's popularity in Britain has experienced a significant decline following Argentina's conduct during the recent World Cup, according to a YouGov survey. The poll indicates that Messi is now viewed unfavorably by nearly half of the surveyed British participants.
This shift in public perception appears linked to actions taken by the Argentine team during the tournament, which concluded with their victory over Spain. Incidents cited include on-field altercations and alleged attempts to influence refereeing decisions. Enzo Fernandez received a red card during the final, and Leandro Paredes was criticized for engaging with opponents after the match.
Messi himself was involved in an incident where he appeared to attempt to get Marc Cucurella sent off by placing his hand over the Spanish player's mouth. While FIFA rules do stipulate potential send-offs for such actions in confrontational situations, it was noted that Cucurella did not appear to be in a confrontational stance, and neither the referee nor VAR intervened.
Allegations of refereeing bias in favor of Argentina were prevalent throughout the tournament. Many observers and opposing teams suggested that a disproportionate number of decisions favored the South American side. Specific instances cited include a potential stamp by Messi against Algeria in a group stage match that went unreviewed by VAR, and questionable calls in matches involving Egypt and Switzerland.
Argentina's players also reportedly aggravated English public sentiment by asserting claims over the Falkland Islands during the tournament. These actions have collectively contributed to the decline in Messi's favorability rating.
Prior to the World Cup, Messi was viewed favorably by 55 percent of Britons and unfavorably by only nine percent. Post-tournament figures show a favorability rating of 29 percent and an unfavorable rating of 44 percent, resulting in a net favorability score that has fallen from +46 to -15.
This decline places Messi's net rating significantly lower than that of his rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds a net rating of -2. Veteran columnist Jeff Powell reportedly removed Messi from his top five all-time players due to these perceived antics.
Despite these criticisms, the notes acknowledge Messi's individual performance, highlighting that he scored eight goals and was often a more composed figure compared to some of his teammates. He was observed shaking hands with a young opponent after the final, even as other teammates were involved in confrontations. Argentina also reportedly turned their backs on the victors during the trophy celebration.
Accusations of refereeing favoritism in the final were somewhat countered by Enzo Fernandez's late red card. However, some Spanish supporters questioned a disallowed goal for Nico Williams, suggesting a pattern of disputed decisions throughout the competition.
Teams like Egypt and Switzerland openly voiced their frustrations with officiating. Egypt's manager, Hossam Hassan, accused FIFA of unfair treatment and potential manipulation of the tournament. Swiss players and staff also expressed dismay over refereeing decisions, particularly a red card issued to Breel Embolo under a 'mistaken identity' rule, which they felt unfairly impacted their match.
Furthermore, Argentina has not faced disciplinary action from FIFA for chants referencing the Falkland Islands, despite FIFA's rules against political slogans. This has occurred even as other teams have been penalized for similar infractions.
FIFA has consistently denied accusations of rigging the World Cup.