Lionel Messi has hit back at critics questioning Argentina's run to the FIFA World Cup final, insisting the defending champions have earned everything through their performances and not because of favourable officiating or outside influence.

FIFA have announced the referee for England's World Cup semi-final showdown with Argentina - and it's an official that the holders' talisman Lionel Messi is familiar with.

Some World Cup fans have accused FIFA of favoring Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, and its star player, billionaire Lionel Messi.

Controversy over FIFA's alleged favouritism towards Lionel Messi and Argentina refuses to die down, even as the World Cup heads into its business end.