Egypt Coach Anti-Racism Gesture Raises Questions Over FIFA Protocol After Messi Incident

By Aditya Nagar | July 08, 2026

Egypt Coach Anti-Racism Gesture: Egypt’s head coach, Hossam Hassan, showed clear frustration during the tense final moments of the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Argentina, sparking new controversy.

Soon after exchanging words with Lionel Messi, he made FIFA’s official anti-racism gesture.

Egypt Coach Anti-Racism Gesture: Messi-Hassan Row Sparks FIFA Gesture Debate

Lionel Messi Anti-Racism Gesture: The incident took place near the end of Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt, a match already tense after several calls went against Egypt.

In a widely shared video, Messi appears to say something to Hassan during a heated sideline exchange.

Right after, the Egypt coach crosses his arms in an “X” shape, which is FIFA’s gesture to report racist abuse and start its anti-racism protocol.

NOTE: Follow cricket news, football updates, live scores, match analysis, and other latest news.

FIFA's 'No Racism' Gesture Sparks Uncertainty Following Intense Messi Exchange

Egypt Coach Anti-Racism Gesture: There is no confirmed audio or official record of what Messi said.

Neither Hassan nor FIFA has clarified whether the gesture was directed at Messi, Argentina’s bench, the officials, or the overall situation.

This uncertainty has made the incident a major talking point from an already intense match.

The crossed-arms “X” is more than just a protest sign.

The "No Racism" gesture was introduced by FIFA in 2024 to help players, referees, and team officials report suspected racist abuse on the field.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Egypt Coach's Racism Gesture Draws Scrutiny Amid Flouted Protocol in Argentina Clash

Hossam Hassan Controversy: According to the protocol, the referee should stop the match, address the incident, and, if the abuse continues, take further steps, such as suspending or abandoning the game.

This is why Hassan’s gesture has received so much attention. It happened during Egypt’s protests and was followed by disciplinary action, not by an immediate stoppage under the anti-racism procedure.

Hassan's side had put Argentina under pressure with a 2-0 lead, only for the defending champions to recover late and avoid a World Cup upset.

Cristian Romero scored to make it 2-1, Messi equalised in the 83rd minute, and Enzo Fernandez scored the winner in stoppage time.

Fuming Egypt Coach Vows World Cup Boycott After Controversial VAR Calls Hand Argentina Victory

Egypt Coach Yellow Card: Egypt was especially upset by two key decisions. A goal by Mostafa Ziko was disallowed after a VAR review found a foul earlier in the play.

Later, Hassan’s players thought they should have been given a penalty for a foul on Hamdy Fathy, just before Argentina scored the winning goal.

Hassan spoke openly about his anger after the match.

He argued that Egypt had been the victim of unfair decisions, saying his team had "suffered injustice" and suggesting there was a desire to protect Messi and Argentina's place in the tournament.

He also said he would not watch any more World Cup games after Egypt’s elimination.

For now, the main question is what was said before Hassan made the anti-racism gesture.

Controversy Lingers: Messi-Egypt Clash Remains Unconfirmed Pending FIFA Investigation

Egypt Coach Anti-Racism Gesture: Until FIFA, Hassan, Egypt’s federation, or match audio provide more details, the incident remains a serious controversy, not a confirmed accusation against Messi.

Still, these events mean Argentina’s comeback win will be remembered not only for Messi’s performance, but also for a touchline moment that put FIFA’s anti-racism protocol, the referee’s actions, and Egypt’s sense of injustice in the spotlight.

Argentina Beat Egypt 3-2 in Dramatic World Cup Comeback

Argentina World Cup Win: Argentina made a dramatic comeback and beat Egypt 3-2 to reach the World Cup quarterfinals.

Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico scored for Egypt, and Zico nearly scored a second, but it was disallowed.

The world champions were in real trouble as Egypt almost caused a major upset.

Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi, who had a first-half penalty saved by Mostafa Shobeir, both scored within four minutes to bring Argentina back into the game.

In stoppage time, a late counter-attack led to Enzo Fernández scoring with a header, sealing the win and ending Egypt’s hopes.

Argentina-Egypt Match Highlights

1. 15’ Goal! ARG 0-1 EGY

Egypt went ahead from a corner. Marwan Ateya crossed the ball, and Yasser Ibrahim headed it in.

2. 21’ Penalty save!

Lionel Messi aimed to the right, but Mostafa Shobeir read it and made the stop.

3. 67’ Goal! ARG 0-2 EGY

Egypt scored on a counterattack. Haissem Hassan moved forward, passed to Salah, received the ball back, and crossed to Mostafa Ziko, who finished accurately.

4. 79’ Goal! ARG 1-2 EGY

Lionel Messi sent in a cross from the right, and Cristian Romero headed in. Messi’s assist broke Maradona’s record, and Argentina closed the gap with a little over 10 minutes left.

5. 83’ Goal! ARG 2-2 EGY

As time was running out, Lionel Messi received a pass from Gonzalo Montiel in the box and scored with his first touch to tie the game.

Soon after, Argentina attacked again. Lautaro Martinez crossed from the right, and Enzo Fernandez headed the ball past Shobeir to put the world champions ahead.

Read More: