Qatar 2022: World Cup is being ‘rigged’ for Messi and Argentina claim fans

Some football fans  have launched a wild theory that the World Cup is "rigged" after Argentina were awarded their fourth penalty of the tournament.

Lionel Messi stepped up to dispatch their spot kick against Croatia, setting his side on the way to a 3-0 victory.

The 35-year-old produced a brilliant performance, bamboozling Josko Gvardiol before setting up his side's third.

But some fans online have cried foul play, citing the number of penalties that Argentina have been awarded during the tournament.

The Albiceleste have had four spot kicks in Qatar, three of which have been scored by Messi.

He netted first in the shock loss to Saudi Arabia, missed one against Poland, but was on hand to convert from 12 yards against the Netherlands on Friday and again in the semi on Tuesday.

Of the penalty awards, the most controversial one was against Poland.

But Tuesday's decision also sparked debate, with ITV pundits Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright not happy with it - although former referee Peter Walton agreed with the decision.

The penalty was given after Julian Alvarez was clattered by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

Taking to Twitter to vent their fury, some fans claimed that the tournament was being officiated in Argentina's favour.

One incorrectly tweeted: "This has to be the most rigged world cup ever. Argentina has got 5 penalties."

While a second added: "How was that a penalty. This world cup is definitely rigged."

Another conspiracy theorist wrote: "The whole World Cup is rigged for Messi to win it. Funny that some people still don’t believe it."

While a further commenter huffed: "Rigged! That’s not a penalty!!!! So sick of every referee favouring Argentina / Messi in this tournament. Joke."

After Messi's incredible assist for Argentina's third, another Twitter user mocked those crying foul play, writing: "I guess the third goal is Rigged too haha hahahha Messi is Goated."

Messi will take on the winner of the clash between Morocco and France in Sunday's final.