“It’s Already Written”: When Ibrahimovic Commented on Messi Winning 2022 World Cup

• Argentina's success at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar has been shrouded in controversy
• Former Dutch manager Louis van Gaal controversially alleged the tournament was 'rigged'
• A previous statement by Zlatan Ibrahimovic also insinuated the result was already decided

Zlatan Ibrahimovic once implied that the 2022 FIFA World Cup had a bias in favour of Lionel Messi and Argentina.

The enigmatic Swedish footballer, who retired from the sport at the age of 41, suggested that it seemed destined for Messi to secure a World Cup victory with La Albiceleste in Qatar.

He made this bold statement after Argentina reached the semi-finals.

Fast forward and the South Americans defeated Croatia in the last four and overcame France in a thrilling final that was ultimately decided by a dramatic post-match penalty shootout.

Nine months after Messi added the only missing trophy to his collection by winning the World Cup, doubts still lingered about the legitimacy of his achievement in Qatar, per Football Espana.

Mexico's World Cup Squad 2022: Is Ochoa playing in this World Cup?

Football

More recently, Louis van Gaal cast a shadow over the veteran forward's success, implying the tournament may have been unfairly skewed in favour of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's fairy tale.

In light of these developments, a previous comment made by Zlatan has resurfaced, taken by some as reinforcing the former coach of the Netherlands' initial assertion.

"I think it's already written who will win, and you know who I mean. I think Messi will lift the trophy, it's already written," Ibrahimovic told reporters during AC Milan's mid-season tour of Dubai, as quoted by TCR.

Twitter theory backs 'rigged' World Cup claims

Sports Brief also reported on a post has put forth a conspiracy theory supporting van Gaal's assertion that the 2022 World Cup was manipulated for Messi and Argentina to triumph.

The narrative gained such widespread circulation that a thread on social media garnered substantial attention, with over 3,000 retweets and 5,000 'likes' at the time of publication.

Messi goes viral with video of him folding shirt perfectly without looking

Football

Van Gaal claims World Cup was 'rigged' for Messi

Sports Brief also reported on the former coach of the Netherlands making significant accusations concerning the validity of the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar.

Argentina advanced to the round of 16, defeated Australia, triumphed over the Dutch in the quarter-finals, and beat the 2018 finalists Croatia in the tourney's semis.

Van Gaal alleged matches were predetermined and orchestrated to enable Messi to fulfil a football fairy tale, with opinions on his comments split down the middle.