Szymon Marciniak, the Polish referee who officiated the 2022 World Cup final has responded to claims that Lionel Messi’s extra-time goal should have been disallowed.
Recall that Messi’s goal gave Argentina a 3-2 lead during extra time before Kylian Mbappe converted a penalty for France. The match proceeded to a penalty shootout which Argentina won 4-2.
Days after the conclusion of the tournament, the French media stated that Argentina’s third goal should have been disallowed due to the encroachment of substitutes on the pitch.
Responding to the claim during a press conference yesterday, December 23, Marciniak held up a photo that showed that French players were also guilty of the same when Mbappe converted a penalty they were awarded.
He said;
“The French didn’t mention this photo, where you can see how there are seven Frenchmen on the pitch when Mbappe scores a goal.”
Szymon Marciniak, the referee for the World Cup Final, has responded to @lequipe’s criticism that Lionel Messi’s second goal shouldn’t have counted:
“The French didn’t mention this photo, where you can see how there are seven Frenchmen on the pitch when Mbappé scores a goal.” pic.twitter.com/MW6y73iiLN
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) December 23, 2022