'What a loser, messy not Messi': Gauahar Khan slams Argentina captain after Egypt match

From football fever to celebrity fire, Argentina's dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 16 victory over Egypt has found an unlikely critic in actor Gauahar Khan.

As debate over the controversial match continues across social media, Gauahar weighed in by targeting captain Lionel Messi, accusing him of exaggerating an on-field incident.

Sharing a viral reel on her Instagram Stories, the actor reposted footage showing Messi covering his mouth after an alleged blow during the match.

Adding her own sharp remark, Gauahar wrote, 'What a loser, messy not Messi. Actor of the saddest order.' Her post quickly drew attention online as fans remained divided over Argentina's dramatic 3-2 comeback victory.

The controversy comes after Egypt appeared on course for one of the biggest knockout upsets in FIFA World Cup history, leading Argentina 2-0 well into the second half before the defending champions scored three late goals to book a place in the quarter-finals.

The result, however, has been overshadowed by fierce criticism of the officiating. Egypt forward Mostafa Ziko accused the referee of blatant injustice after the defeat, alleging the match had been tilted in Argentina's favour.

'The referee is unfair. This is a clear injustice. He wasted the efforts of an entire country,' Ziko said after the match.

Egypt's frustration centred on two key decisions. Ziko had a goal ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up, while the African side also believed they should have been awarded a penalty after an alleged foul on Hamdy Fathy moments before Argentina scored the decisive goal.

The disputed calls have triggered widespread debate among football fans and pundits, with fresh refereeing analysis reportedly suggesting that the VAR intervention leading to Ziko's disallowed goal may have been incorrect, adding further fuel to claims that Egypt were denied a historic victory.