The World Cup final referee had reactions to the doubt related to Messi's illegal goal

Messi's controversial goal 

Argentina won their third World Cup title on Sunday, defeating defending champions France 4-2 on penalties at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. After extra time, the dramatic match concluded 3-3, thanks to goals from Argentinian captain Lionel Messi and French star Kylian Mbappe.

Messi's goal in the 108th minute to give Argentina a 3-2 lead is a contentious issue following the 2022 World Cup final. Particularly, after a situation of coordination on the left wing, Lautaro Martinez finished very tight in a tight corner but could not win against Hugo Lloris. The ball bounced off, and Messi jumped in very quickly and kicked to raise the score to 3-2. Fans discovered that two Argentine substitutes had already moved onto the pitch before El Pulga had sent the ball over the line.

Messi's goal in the 108th minute sparked heated debate. 

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French media cited Article 9, Rule 3 of the FIFA Rules of Football, which states that if someone from outside stands in the field before the goal is scored, the referee must consider canceling the goal.

"After the goal is scored, if the referee is informed that a substitute player or a member of the coaching staff has moved onto the field of play before the ball has crossed the goal line, the referee may disallow the goal. And the game will be restarted with a free kick from a substitute or a member of the coaching staff who has come on."

The response of the referee

Following widespread criticism, Poland's referees responded. The Polish referee Marciniak, who received praise for his work overall, spoke at a press conference and showed pictures of a France goal that was perhaps also subject to review.

“The French didn’t mention this photo, where you can see how there are seven Frenchmen on the pitch when Mbappe scores a goal,” Marciniak said. 

He also explained his decision: "What is the impact of the substitutes standing in the field (celebrating) on the game?" Canceling the above goals will affect the game. While the impact of those who get up and jump "What's in the yard to celebrate?"

The referee showed the pictures of France goal that was perhaps also subject to review

Marciniak also revealed that he talked with players in the France team, and they had no disagreements about him in the final match.

"I had a few words with Hugo Loris, high-fived with Olivier Giroud. He got a yellow card but he had no complaints, he said it was a difficult match.

I told the sad Mbappe that he was a great player and that he would win more than one cup. He leaned against me; it was emotion. I don’t even want to think about what he had in mind at the time,"

Although the football fans had many opinions about this goal, France has not officially complained about Marciniak's performance; they only complained about the racial insults Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni, who missed their penalties in the shootout, received. Furthermore, Alaves goalkeeper Emi Martinez's "shocking" celebrations in Buenos Aires, in which he made fun of Mbappe by holding up a baby doll with the PSG forward's face, have been brought up in a complaint to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) by Noel Le Graet, president of the France Football Federation (FFF).

Mr. Marciniak was highly appreciated by experts after the 2022 World Cup final. The Polish referee's decisions were accurate and made the match more attractive.