Who is Ismail Elfath? Meet Messi's 'favorite referee' stirring more Argentina favoritism outcry

Before the opening whistle has even blown in England and Argentina's semifinal match, World Cup fans are already complaining that FIFA is rigging the match in Lionel Messi's favor.

The topic of Argentina being the beneficiary of fixed matches has been one of the most talked-about conspiracy theories throughout the soccer world. FIFA hasn't exactly helped quell those theorists after appointing Moroccan-American referee Ismail Elfath to serve as the semifinal match's lead official.

In the past, Messi has reportedly won every match he has played with Elfath serving as the referee in some capacity, including the 2022 World Cup final against France.

Here's the rundown on Elfath, and why many soccer fans believe he's helped Messi in the past.

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Who is the referee for England vs. Argentina?

American referee Ismail Elfath will serve as the referee for the semifinal match between England and Argentina.

Elfath has been a FIFA referee since 2016 and served as the fourth referee during Argentina's 2022 World Cup final win over France. 2022 served as Elfath's first World Cup, debuting in a match between Portugal and Ghana and serving as the referee for a knockout stage match between Japan and Croatia. 

At this year's World Cup, Elfath served as the referee for Japan vs. the Netherlands, Uruguay vs. Spain, and Brazil vs. Norway's clash in the Round of 16.

The match officials for @FIFAWorldCup match 102 have been appointed. 🤝

Elfath was born in Morocco and came over to the United States at age 18. He would eventually become a U.S citizen and has been an MLS referee since 2012.

Many World Cup fans complained about FIFA appointing Elfath to officiate the England vs. Argentina match because Messi has found vast success with Morocco native on the pitch. At the 2022 World Cup final, Elfath was the fourth official when Argentina won in a penalty shootout over France, thanks to two Messi goals.

Elfath was also the referee during Inter Miami's  2023 Leagues Cup win, a match that featured Messi scoring before a penalty shootout win over Nashville SC. Elfath has additionally refereed three other MLS wins for Messi.

Where is Ismail Elfath from?

Elfath is originally from Morocco. He moved to America as an 18-year-old after winning a U.S. government-backed diversity visa lottery, according to the BBC.

Elfath was born on March 3, 1982, in Casablanca, Morocco. The 44-year-old has officiated in the MLS since 2012, a tenure in which he has won Referee of the Year twice.

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Lionel Messi's record in Ismail Elfath games

According to various reports, such as Wales Online and NY Sports Day, Messi has never lost a game that has featured Elfath as an official. In five total matches that have featured Elfath as an official, Messi has accumulated a 5-0 record, with four of those matches coming from competition at Inter Miami.

At the 2022 World Cup final, Elfath was the fourth official when Argentina won in a penalty shootout over France, thanks to two Messi goals.

He was also the referee when Inter Miami won the 2023 Leagues Cup, a match that also featured Messi scoring before his team won via a penalty shootout over Nashville SC. Additionally, Elfath has refereed three other MLS wins for Messi.

Is FIFA favoring Argentina?

While the case for FIFA favoring Messi's Argentina seems to grow through everyday, there has been no conclusive evidence of wrongdoing. 

Fans began pointing even more fingers toward La Albiceleste after news broke reporting that the national team was under investigation by the FBI for money laundering and fraud in the U.S. According to CBS Sports, at least $260 million has gone through America's financial system, along with an additional $57 million in transfers that do not have a clear purpose.