Lionel Messi responded to critics questioning Argentina’s run to the FIFA World Cup final, insisting that the defending champions won everything because of their performances and not because of favorable office or outside influence.Argentina came from 1-0 down after 85 minutes to beat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final and book a place in the final, where they will face Spain on Sunday.The victory sparked celebrations across Buenos Aires, with thousands of fans filling the streets as Argentina moved within a win of back-to-back World Cup wins.It was yet another comeback in a tournament where Lionel Scaloni’s side repeatedly found a way back into games. Argentina had earlier defeated Cape Verde and Switzerland in extra time and came back from 2-0 down with 11 minutes to beat Egypt 3-2.These victories, however, also brought criticism. The coaches of Switzerland and Egypt questioned the refereeing decisions after their defeats. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan also claimed that his side had been in the wrong part of a football establishment that favored Messi and Argentina.The complaints added to criticism from some fans, who argued the World Cup match benefited Argentina, while unfounded claims circulated on social media suggesting FIFA wanted the defending champions to retain the title.Messi rejected those suggestions after the win over England.“We have been the best in these last four years, whether you like it or not, and it doesn’t matter what anyone says,” Messi said after the victory over England.“Once again, we have established among the two first teams in the world. That proves that everything we have done is not a coincidence and that nothing has been given to us.”So far, Argentina has largely shied away from responding to allegations of favoritism. Coach Lionel Scaloni had previously advised reporters “not to consume so much social media” when asked about the issue during previous press conferences.But after reaching another World Cup final, the reigning champions decided to hit back.“To reach two consecutive World Cup finals is something that few achieve, and this group did it,” Messi said. “If we had lost in England, there would have been people coming out to spout some nonsense, but we didn’t give ourselves the chance.”The semi-final against England also reignited one of football’s longest-running rivalries, one shaped not only by sport but also by the dispute over the Falkland Islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina.On Thursday, the British government urged FIFA to investigate Argentina after the players celebrated the victory by posing with a banner given to them by supporters that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” – “The Malvinas are Argentines”.Midfielder Enzo Fernandez admitted his celebration after scoring Argentina’s equalizer carried a message for those criticizing the team.The Chelsea player first cupped his hands over his ears before repeatedly opening and closing his fingers, a gesture widely seen in football as telling critics to keep talking.“There was a lot of talk; it was a mix of euphoria and frustration,” Fernandez said.