Lionel Messi will have a familiar referee in charge when Argentina face England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, with FIFA appointing Ismail Elfath to officiate the blockbuster clash. The experienced Moroccan-American referee has overseen five Argentina matches during Messi’s international career, with the Albiceleste remaining unbeaten in all of them.
Argentina have won four and drawn one of those five matches under Elfath. While the record has sparked interest among fans, it is simply a statistical coincidence rather than an indication of any advantage for the defending champions.
Ismail Elfath returns for another major World Cup assignment
Elfath is one of FIFA’s most experienced referees and has been an international official since 2016. He officiated at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and was also the fourth official during the final between Argentina and France, where Messi lifted his maiden World Cup trophy.
CONFIRMED: Ismail Elfath who is Lionel Messi's 'favourite referee' will officiate their game against England. This has further fueled the fear of World Cup favouritism towards Messi and his Argentina teammates pic.twitter.com/kRT78Flv7c
— Dan Kasina (@Dannkasina) July 14, 2026
For the semi-final between Argentina and England, Elfath will be assisted by American officials Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins. The referee has handled several high-profile international fixtures and is regarded as one of FIFA’s trusted officials for major knockout matches.
Argentina eye another World Cup final
Argentina head into the semi-final looking to reach a second successive World Cup final. Messi has once again been central to the team’s campaign, helping the reigning champions navigate a difficult route through the knockout stages.
🚨Lionel Messi has never lost a match where Ismail Elfath has been the referee
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) July 14, 2026
Elfath is refereeing Argentina’s semi-final match vs England pic.twitter.com/Fgx6Ev0E7j
England, meanwhile, are aiming to end Argentina’s title defence and book their place in the final. With one of football’s fiercest rivalries set to resume on the biggest stage, the match is expected to be closely contested.
Although Elfath’s unbeaten record with Argentina has become a talking point ahead of the fixture, both teams will be focused on producing their best football in a bid to secure a place in the World Cup final. The winner will face Spain, who defeated France 2-0 in the first semi-final, while the losing side will play France in the third-place playoff.
