Cristiano Ronaldo's Instagram Like Reignites FIFA Bias Claims Over Lionel Messi's Argentina at World Cup 2026
Claims of FIFA favouring Argentina over the course of the FIFA World Cup 2026 aren't new. However, the allegations have reached an unprecedented high after Cristiano Ronaldo was accused of 'liking' a post on Instagram that claimed as much.
Ronaldo, who was eliminated in the Round of 16 with Portugal by eventual champions Spain, is said to have liked a video on an Instagram account named 'espejopublico', where the panellists spoke about different instances over the course of the World Cup where referees and the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) team seemingly favoured Lionel Messi 's Argentina.
In the video, a journalist compiled a clip highlighting multiple such instances. The journalist even stated: "Argentina should have been eliminated at least five matches ago! They're still in the tournament thanks to FIFA's help! So I'm not afraid of Argentina at all. I'm more afraid of Infantino. I don't think we're going to be playing against Argentina, but against the whole of FIFA, who want to hand the World Cup to Lionel Messi."
The timing added another layer to the controversy. Portugal’s own World Cup campaign had ended against Spain in the round of 16, with Ronaldo later confirming that the tournament had been his final appearance on football’s biggest international stage.
Questions over the officiating during Argentina’s campaign had intensified following their dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the round of 16. Egypt were angered after a goal was disallowed following a VAR review, while a late penalty appeal was rejected shortly before Argentina scored the winner.
The FIFA refereeing chief later rejected claims of bias and defended the independence of the officials. Controversial refereeing decisions, however heavily debated, do not on their own provide evidence of corruption or deliberate manipulation.
Argentina went on to defeat England 2-1 in the semi-final before losing 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the final. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute as Spain secured their second World Cup title and ended Messi’s final appearance at the tournament in defeat.
Despite Argentina failing to lift the trophy, Ronaldo’s Instagram activity has ensured that allegations surrounding their journey to the final will continue to generate debate long after the tournament’s conclusion.
Ronaldo, who was eliminated in the Round of 16 with Portugal by eventual champions Spain, is said to have liked a video on an Instagram account named 'espejopublico', where the panellists spoke about different instances over the course of the World Cup where referees and the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) team seemingly favoured Lionel Messi 's Argentina.
In the video, a journalist compiled a clip highlighting multiple such instances. The journalist even stated: "Argentina should have been eliminated at least five matches ago! They're still in the tournament thanks to FIFA's help! So I'm not afraid of Argentina at all. I'm more afraid of Infantino. I don't think we're going to be playing against Argentina, but against the whole of FIFA, who want to hand the World Cup to Lionel Messi."
Ronaldo’s like fuels Messi-Argentina controversy
The incident immediately became linked to Ronaldo’s long-running rivalry with Messi, which has divided football supporters for nearly two decades. Any public interaction involving one player and criticism directed at the other is closely scrutinised, making Ronaldo’s like particularly significant.You may also like
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The timing added another layer to the controversy. Portugal’s own World Cup campaign had ended against Spain in the round of 16, with Ronaldo later confirming that the tournament had been his final appearance on football’s biggest international stage.
Questions over the officiating during Argentina’s campaign had intensified following their dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the round of 16. Egypt were angered after a goal was disallowed following a VAR review, while a late penalty appeal was rejected shortly before Argentina scored the winner.
The FIFA refereeing chief later rejected claims of bias and defended the independence of the officials. Controversial refereeing decisions, however heavily debated, do not on their own provide evidence of corruption or deliberate manipulation.
Argentina went on to defeat England 2-1 in the semi-final before losing 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the final. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute as Spain secured their second World Cup title and ended Messi’s final appearance at the tournament in defeat.
Despite Argentina failing to lift the trophy, Ronaldo’s Instagram activity has ensured that allegations surrounding their journey to the final will continue to generate debate long after the tournament’s conclusion.
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