Should Lionel Messi’s second goal for Argentina against France in the 2022 World Cup final have been disallowed?That’s what French outlet L’Equipe are claiming following Sunday’s pulsating final in Qatar.In a tweet that’s gone viral, L’Equipe said: “According to the regulations, Messi's second goal, in extra time, should have been disallowed by the match referee, Szymon Marciniak. Argentinian substitutes were already on the pitch before the ball went over the goal line of Hugo Lloris.”

What was wrong with Messi's second goal vs France?

L'Equipe's article then states: “According to the rules, Lionel Messi's second goal should have been refused by Szymon Marciniak, the referee of the final. We explain why.

“When Messi resumes Hugo Lloris' stop, some Argentine substitutes, taken by emotions, are already on the field, ready to celebrate. This is strictly prohibited.”

They cite Law 3, paragraph 9, from the FA’s laws of the games as stating: "If, after a goal is scored, the referee realises before the resumption of the game that an additional person was on the field at the time the goal was scored: the referee must refuse the goal if the additional person was: a player, a substitute, a substitute, an excluded player or an official of the team that scored.”

Indeed, a screenshot from the FA’s website suggests that is the case.

Should VAR have reviewed Messi's second goal?

ESPN’s Dale Johnson, an expert in all things VAR-related, tweeted on Monday morning: “Some suggestion that Lionel Messi's second goal should have been disallowed because 2 Argentina subs stepped onto the pitch to celebrate just before the ball crossed the line.

“To the letter of the law perhaps, but it is far too insignificant to be within the remit of the VAR.”

So it seems that it would have been a technically correct, but extremely harsh, decision for referee Marciniak to disallow Messi’s goal.

In fact, it probably would have been one of the most controversial calls in World Cup history.

Szymon Marciniak and Lionel Messi

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina protests to Referee Szymon Marciniak during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

More drama unfolded in a classic World Cup final

In any case, Messi’s second goal wasn’t the winner. Kylian Mbappe completed his hat-trick 10 minutes later before the game went to penalties.

Argentina then won the shootout 4-2 after Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni both missed for Les Bleus.

Argentina beat France on penalties

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with teammates in the penalty shootout during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Some are describing it as the greatest final in football history. It’s certainly a strong contender for the best World Cup final ever.

And because Messi finally got his hands on the World Cup trophy, December 18, 2022, will forever be remembered as one of the most historic dates in football history.

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