Dear Lionel Messi,
You once said, “We could have gone further but we weren't allowed into the final. Corruption, referees, and all the rest stopped people from enjoying the football.”* You even added, *“Brazil champions? No doubt. Sadly, I think it’s set up for Brazil.”
With due respect, I’d like to respond to both of your statements.
On Your Team's Performance
Firstly, let’s address your frustration about not reaching the final. Honestly, you were fortunate to even reach the semi-final given the underwhelming nature of your team. You and your squad pale in comparison to the Argentina teams led by legends like Gabriel Batistuta and Juan Román Riquelme. Back then, Brazil fans viewed Argentina with a sense of tension and respect because they were a team—a cohesive, well-rounded unit driven by purpose, not just a platform for individual brilliance.
But the Argentina side you’ve led in recent years? It lacks the same collective identity. Your performances for the national team have often been criticized as underwhelming compared to your club career. And no, this is not just about bad luck or biased refereeing—sometimes, you need to accept that your side wasn't strong enough.
The Condor Plan and the 1978 World Cup Scandal
Now, let's talk about corruption—since you brought it up. Have you considered the role Argentina played in the *real* controversies of the past?
In the second round of the 1978 World Cup, Argentina, as the host, found itself in a tricky position. Brazil had beaten Poland 3-1 and Peru 3-0, meaning Argentina needed a 4-0 or 5-1 win over Peru to qualify for the final. But beating Peru by such a margin wasn’t realistic—at least, not without outside interference.
This is where politics came into play. Dictator Jorge Videla, desperate to exploit Argentina’s potential triumph to cover up the atrocities of his regime, struck a deal with Peruvian leader Francisco Bermúdez. Videla offered asylum for 13 Peruvian prisoners, but only if Peru "deliberately lost" to Argentina.
During the match, even Peru’s goalkeeper—a player of Argentine origin—made no real effort to stop the goals, allowing Argentina to win 6-0 and reach the final. Years later, in 2012, former Peruvian Senator Genaro Ledesma confirmed the existence of this sordid arrangement.
Was that victory the product of sportsmanship, or political corruption?
The 1978 Pitch and Referee Bias
You have also complained about the poor pitch conditions during the 2019 Copa América. Do you remember how Argentina treated Brazil in the 1978 World Cup? Brazil was forced to play its matches in Mar del Plata, on a substandard pitch that significantly hampered their gameplay. Brazil struggled to adapt and ended up drawing against Spain in one of those matches.
And then there’s the 1978 incident involving Sweden, where Zico’s last-minute header was controversially ruled out after the referee ended the match abruptly, claiming time had expired. That decision robbed Brazil of the top spot in their group, forcing them into a tougher path. Was that fair? Or was it another example of Argentina manipulating events to its advantage?
FIFA and Your Group Stage "Luck"
Now, let’s address your insinuation about Brazil’s supposed “set-up” to win the Copa América. If we examine FIFA’s treatment of Argentina from 2010 to 2018, we see a pattern that raises questions. Argentina was placed in relatively favourable groups across three consecutive World Cups, always facing Nigeria. In both 2010 and 2014, your team had an easy path out of the group stage.
But luck can only take you so far. In 2010, an overconfident Argentina underestimated a young German side and was humiliated 4-0. And in 2014, despite an easy route to the final, you were left hoping Germany would go easy on you. The Germans, as always, didn’t oblige.
In 2018, Argentina was placed in a group with Croatia, Nigeria, and Iceland—hardly the strongest opposition. Yet, your team struggled, finishing second in the group. The French wasted no time in showing Argentina its limitations in the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo was consistently placed in tougher groups and faced greater challenges throughout these tournaments. Brazil, too, has suffered from controversial refereeing decisions—particularly at the 2018 World Cup and on home soil in 2014.
Selective Memories and Double Standards
If we dig deeper, we could bring up several infamous incidents involving Argentina that cast doubt on your claim of unfair treatment.
Hand of God: Diego Maradona's blatant handball against England in 1986 remains one of football’s most infamous moments.
The Holy Water Scandal: Argentine staff allegedly gave Brazilian players sedative-laced water during a Copa América match in 1990.
Italia 1990: Maradona got away with a blatant handball inside his own penalty area against the Soviet Union.
World Cup 1998: Diego Simeone’s theatrics led to David Beckham’s red card, changing the course of England’s campaign.
2019 vs. Liverpool: Even you, Leo, were accused of placing the ball several meters ahead of the correct spot while taking a decisive free-kick at Camp Nou.
These incidents highlight that Argentina has benefited from questionable decisions on numerous occasions. To now complain about bias or corruption seems hypocritical at best.
In Conclusion: Think Before You Speak
Football, like life, is full of highs and lows. Every team experiences moments of triumph and injustice. But to claim that corruption robbed Argentina in recent tournaments without any concrete evidence is to ignore the privileges and benefits your team has enjoyed throughout history.
Brazil has endured its share of setbacks and questionable decisions too, but we’ve rarely resorted to making excuses. Instead, we’ve focused on rebuilding and striving to be better. You, Leo, are an exceptional player—but it’s time to acknowledge that even legends don’t always win.
So, next time you feel the urge to point fingers, remember the past. Before accusing others, reflect on the privileges and questionable incidents that have benefited Argentina. And perhaps—just perhaps—you’ll find it wiser to let your football do the talking.
With respect and a love for the beautiful game,
A Brazil Fan
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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