09 July,2026 03:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Gauahar Khan. Pic via Instagram
Actor Gauahar Khan has once again weighed in on the controversy surrounding Egypt's dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 exit, taking another playful dig at Lionel Messi after the match sparked widespread debate online. A day after criticising the Argentine captain's performance, Gauahar shared a viral parody video mocking the game, keeping the conversation alive on social media.
The controversy erupted after Egypt's narrow defeat to Argentina, with several disputed refereeing decisions and VAR calls becoming major talking points among football fans. Gauahar, who had already expressed her disappointment with Messi's display, appeared to double down by reposting a humorous reel on her Instagram Stories.
The reel featured a comic recreation of Messi's performance during the match, with one man being lifted by fellow players to push the ball into the net with his hands. The parody also mocked several controversial moments, including exaggerated refereeing decisions and questionable goals, poking fun at the officiating that has been widely criticised since the match.
Reacting to the video, Gauahar wrote, "Hahahahahah! On point!", making it clear she agreed with the satirical take.
Just a day earlier, the actor had stirred debate after referring to the football legend as "messy not Messi" on social media. She wrote, "What a loser, messy not Messi. Actor of the saddest order," criticising what she felt were theatrics during the game. Her comments quickly divided the internet, with some supporting her opinion while others defended the Argentine superstar.
The controversy extends far beyond social media reactions. Following the defeat, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) reportedly lodged an official complaint against French referee François Letexier and the officiating team, questioning several key decisions and injustices made during the match.
Among the biggest flashpoints was Mostafa Ziko's disallowed goal, which was overturned following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up. Egyptian players also believed they should have been awarded a penalty after Hamdy Fathy was allegedly pulled inside the box, moments before Argentina scored the decisive goal.
In its statement, the EFA said it could not remain silent over the injustice and the refereeing decisions and criticised what it described as the failure to properly utilise the VAR system during the high-stakes fixture.
Meanwhile, Gauahar continues to remain vocal on social media. The actor, last seen in various digital projects, is also cheering on her husband, Zaid Darbar, who is currently participating in the reality show Alliance.
