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Fact check confirms image misrepresents referee's interaction with Messi

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 12:52 AM

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

Fact check confirms image misrepresents referee's interaction with Messi

Summary

A viral image claiming to show referee Ismail Elfath asking for a photo with Lionel Messi during the Argentina-England match on July 15, 2026, is false. The image is an old, cropped version from a pre-match photo taken before the Argentina-France final in December 2022. It was altered to omit the opposing team's captain, creating a misleading narrative. As such, this post circulating on social media lacks accurate context.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•The altered photo dates back to December 2022.
•It was taken before a match between Argentina and France.
•Ismail Elfath was officiating the Argentina-England match.
•The viral post misrepresented the image's context.
•Standard pre-match photos often include team captains and referees.

Latest Updates

12:52 AMYahoo Sports — Fact Check: OLD, ALTERED Image Does NOT Show Argentina-England Referee Ismail Elfath 'Asking For A Photo' With Lionel Messi In 2026 -- Or Ever

What they're saying

"
Does a viral image prove that Argentina-England referee Ismail Elfath "asked for a photo" with Argentina's captain Lionel Messi? No, that's not true: The photo was cropped to remove the captain of the opposing team, who was posing with Messi...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

FIFA World Cup Soccer