Angry reactions escalated following the statements of former Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher, who downplayed the value of the Africa Cup of Nations, considering it not on par with major tournaments.

The response came quickly from former Egypt national team captain, Ahmed Elmohamady, who mocked Carragher on his X account, saying: "Carragher does not know major tournaments because he has never won any of them. The Africa Cup of Nations is a major tournament, and I am proud to have won it twice."

For his part, Ahmed Hassan, former captain of the Egypt national team, expressed his discontent with Carragher's statements, considering them to carry a racist tone and unacceptable from a professional football player.

Hassan said in an official statement: "Africa includes 54 countries, and it is a continent with a significant impact on the world of football. African players are a key element in major European leagues, and some European teams heavily rely on players of African descent."

He added: "Mohamed Salah is steadily moving towards winning the Ballon d'Or this year, despite ongoing attempts to undermine his achievements. The Africa Cup of Nations will always remain a major tournament followed by millions around the world."