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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.
Elfath, 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 loss
Does Ismail Elfath favor Messi?
There'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.
Elfath 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.
More FIFA World Cup news:
- Erling Haaland brought a wild $750 gift home from the World Cup
- An on-brand finish to Neymar's Brazil career
- Lionel Messi makes announcer lose his mind in 35-second goal call
- Jerry Jones booed during World Cup match in Dallas
- Actor who played Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso makes pro soccer debut
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