Evra criticizes FIFA: "The 2022 World Cup was meant for Messi!"

World 20 March 2025 at 11:21

Mohamed Rek

News Editor

The recent statements by Patrice Evra, former captain of the French team and iconic Manchester United player, have set social media ablaze. He expressed doubts about the integrity of the 2022 World Cup, held in Qatar, accusing FIFA of favoring Lionel Messi and orchestrating Argentina's victory.

In an interview on RMC radio, the former captain of Les Bleus did not hesitate to accuse FIFA officials of "gifting" the title to Argentina and its captain Messi.

Evra stated: "Do you prefer to win or play beautifully? Okay, we haven't won since 2018, but we all know that in 2022 they gave the World Cup to Messi... Everything was already written."

He added: "Even the French wanted Messi to win... The penalty at the start of the final against Argentina..."

Evra: "We can't talk about Zidane in every interview!"

The former West Ham player also expressed his surprise at the diminishing respect for the current French coach, Didier Deschamps, stating: "Aren't we a bit spoiled? People can't stand being in the semi-finals or finals at every tournament? I pity his successor. When I hear people say 'just another year and a half to hold on', to me it's disrespectful."

He added: "There is a World Cup to prepare for, and I don't think it will disturb the team. The players need to focus on the current period. But we can't talk about Zidane in every interview, we also need to talk about Deschamps."

Also read: These 3 players who preferred the "Bleus" over the "Leopards"!