Messi's lucky charm? Argentina star unbeaten with Elfath as referee

Major League Soccer referee Ismail Elfath has never officiated a match in which Lionel Messi has failed to win.

His appointment for Argentina's World Cup semifinal against England on Wednesday sparked a backlash among England fans, with some claiming the decision was intended to help Messi win another World Cup title.

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Elfath, an American citizen born in Morocco, will officiate the England-Argentina clash, with fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins serving as his assistant referees.

Several online outlets pointed out that Messi's teams have won all five matches in which Elfath has officiated in any capacity.

He served as the fourth official for the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, where Messi inspired Argentina to victory over France in a penalty shootout after an enthralling 3-3 draw.

Messi then joined Inter Miami the following summer. Elfath, a two-time MLS Referee of the Year, officiated the final of the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2023, where Inter Miami beat Nashville SC on penalties to hand Messi his first trophy with the club.

At this World Cup, Elfath has officiated two group-stage matches -- Japan vs the Netherlands and Spain vs Uruguay -- as well as Norway's shock round-of-16 victory over Brazil.

The winners of Thursday's semifinal [1am, Bangladesh Time] will face Spain in Monday's final [1am, Bangladesh Time] in East Rutherford, New Jersey.