FIFA releases eye-opening VAR audio explaining why Fernández’s goal stood despite a potential offside involving Messi against England

FIFA has finally released the VAR audio from Argentina’s dramatic World Cup semi final victory over England, ending days of fierce debate surrounding Enzo Fernández’s crucial equaliser. The fictional recording offers fans an inside look at how match officials reached their decision after millions questioned whether Lionel Messi had been in an offside position during the build up.

The incident occurred in the closing stages with England leading 1-0. Messi drifted into the penalty area as Argentina patiently searched for an opening. Seconds later, the ball reached Fernández, who fired past the goalkeeper to level the score before Argentina eventually found a dramatic winner in stoppage time.

Immediately after the goal, England players surrounded the referee, insisting Messi had interfered with play while standing in what appeared to be an offside position. Social media exploded within minutes as slowed down replays circulated around the world, with supporters split over whether the goal should have counted.

According to the fictional VAR audio, the video assistant referee quickly instructed the referee to delay the restart while every available angle was checked.

“We are checking the attacking phase,” the VAR official says.

Another official replies, “Freeze at the moment of the pass. Confirm Messi’s position.”

After several seconds of silence, the semi automated offside technology was consulted before another voice announced, “Messi is ahead of the second last defender, but we must determine whether he becomes involved in active play.”

The officials then carefully reviewed whether Messi obstructed the goalkeeper’s vision, challenged a defender for the ball or attempted to play it.

One assistant concluded, “He does not touch the ball. No challenge. No impact on the goalkeeper’s line of sight.”

The VAR then informed the referee, “The player in the offside position is not interfering with an opponent and does not play the ball. The goal is valid.”

The referee acknowledged the information before pointing to the centre circle to confirm the goal.

In the fictional scenario, FIFA later released a statement supporting the officials’ interpretation of Law 11, explaining that simply standing in an offside position is not an offence unless the player becomes actively involved by playing the ball, interfering with an opponent or gaining an advantage from that position.

The statement added that the semi automated offside system confirmed Fernández himself was onside when receiving possession and that every available broadcast angle matched the officials’ conclusion.

Although the explanation satisfied some supporters, it did little to calm England fans, many of whom believed Messi’s movement distracted defenders enough to influence the play. Former players also offered contrasting opinions, with some agreeing the decision was technically correct while others argued football’s interpretation of interfering with an opponent remains too subjective.

Argentina, meanwhile, dismissed suggestions that the victory was controversial. Players insisted they trusted the officials and praised the introduction of modern technology for helping referees make difficult decisions under enormous pressure.

The debate continued long after the final whistle, becoming one of the tournament’s biggest talking points. Whether fans agreed with the verdict or not, the fictional release of the VAR audio demonstrated how football authorities are increasingly embracing transparency by allowing supporters to hear the discussions that shape the game’s biggest decisions.

Even with the explanation, opinions remained divided, proving once again that football’s most controversial moments rarely end when the final whistle blows. Instead, they continue to fuel discussion among players, managers and supporters for years to come.