Hossam Hassan says Egypt suffered ‘unjust defeat’ to keep Messi in World Cup

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Players of Egypt pose for the photo prior the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium) in Atlanta, Georgia, United States on July 07, 2026. [Jose Hernandez - Anadolu Agency]https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AA-20260707-41910940-41910939-ARGENTINA_V_EGYPT_FIFA_WORLD_CUP_2026_ROUND_OF_16-scaled-e1783458629360.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" width="1200" />
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has criticised French referee François Letexier after Egypt were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup by Argentina, claiming the team suffered an “unjust defeat” because of efforts to keep Lionel Messi and the defending champions in the tournament, Anadolu reports.

Speaking at a press conference after Egypt’s 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the round of 16 on Tuesday, Hassan said the match lacked refereeing fairness and suggested that Argentina had received support for “marketing” reasons. “We suffered an unjust defeat,” Hassan said. “There is support from every side for the world champions — marketing support.

They want the previous World Cup champions to remain in the tournament.

They want Messi to stay.” Hassan said […]

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