Messi penalty against Croatia triggers controversy, divides social media: Live reactions from Neville to Keane

The decision to award the spot-kick for Argentina has divided opinions among pundits and fans on social media.

Croatia’s goalkeeper #01 Dominik Livakovic fouls Argentina’s forward #09 Julian Alvarez | Photo Credit: AFP

Lionel Messi scored his fifth goal of the World Cup in Argentina’s semifinal match against Croatia on Tuesday at the Lusail Stadium.

Messi scored in the 34th minute after a penalty was awarded to Argentina for a foul on Julian Alvarez by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

The decision to award the spot-kick, however, has divided opinions among pundits and fans on social media.

Livakovic was booked by the referee for the foul and Mateo Kovacic was also shown a yellow for his protests.

Former England skipper and pundit Gary Neville felt it wasn’t the right call by the referee Daniele Orsato. “Penalty ? Not for me at all!” tweeted Neville.

Messi scored his 11th World Cup goal from the spot!

But was this the right decision to award a penalty? 🤔#FIFAWorldCup#ARGCROpic.twitter.com/8K5CmPPlzb

— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) December 13, 2022

Another former England international Ian Wright, an ITV pundit, said, “They didn’t even check the VAR. I have no idea why. It’s not a penalty.”

Former Irish footballer Roy Keane, said, “I agree with the lads, that’s not a penalty for me.

Genuinely can't believe people are even arguing that it's not a penalty

The keeper comes out, misses the ball and clatters the forward

"What's he supposed to do" get the ball… just like if you tackle and miss the ball it's a pen, but if you get the ball it's a good tackle

— Andy Castell (@AJ3) December 13, 2022

I mean, if I'm not the most defensive person over keepers, I'm the second. But how is that not a penalty?

— David Preece (@davidpreece12) December 13, 2022

Has FIFA created a new penalty rule purely for Messi's Argentina?#ARGCRO#fifaworldcup

— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) December 13, 2022