Report: Messi's extra-time goal 'should've been disallowed'

It has sensationally been claimed that one of Lionel Messi's goals against France in the FIFA World Cup final should have been disallowed. 

Argentina won their third World Cup title after beating France 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 3-3 stalemate in the final's 120 minutes of regulation time. 

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While France did well to come back from 2-0 down to force the game to go to extra-time, Messi gave his team the lead once again when he found the back of the net in the 108th minute for his second strike of the match.

However, fresh images have come to light suggesting that goal should have been ruled out as two Argentina substitutes were on the pitch before the strike went in, according to the Daily Mirror. 

Due to the two players in bibs being on the pitch, it is argued that the goal should have been ruled out and that the referee should have given a free-kick to France instead, per FIFA's official rules, which would have kept the score at 2-2. 

"If, after a goal is scored, the referee realises, before play restarts, that there was an extra person on the field of play when the goal was scored, the referee must disallow the goal," the rule states. 

French news outlet L'Equipe has also brought this moment to attention. 

"Except that the goal is invalid if we strictly apply the rules," the publication said, per the Daily Mirror. 

"When Messi volleys Hugo Lloris' save, some emotionally-charged Argentine substitutes are already on the pitch, ready to celebrate.

"Which is strictly prohibited."

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The referee in question, Szymon Marciniak, was further criticised by the abovementioned French publication for allowing a number of "brutal fouls" without brandishing a yellow card.

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