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Cristiano Ronaldo’s verified Instagram account appeared to like a controversial post that accused FIFA of corruption and suggested that officials attempted to ensure Lionel Messi’s Argentina won the 2026 World Cup. The social media interaction gained widespread attention just before Argentina’s final defeat to Spain, a tournament concluding amid numerous refereeing controversies.

Social media reaction ignites debate

According to observations from online users, Ronaldo’s official Instagram account seemed to like a video post that accused FIFA of manipulating results to favour Argentina’s path to the 2026 World Cup final. The engagement surfaced shortly after Lionel Scaloni’s team suffered a 1-0 loss to Spain in extra time. The post included a sharp critique from Spanish journalist Pilar Rodriguez Losantos, who alleged that refereeing decisions throughout the North American tournament consistently benefitted the Albiceleste.

Journalist raises claims of officiating bias

The video clip, uploaded before the final, featured Losantos’s strong remarks about questionable officiating on the international stage. Speaking on the programme Espejo Publico, Losantos declared: “Argentina should have been eliminated at least five matches ago! They are still in this tournament only because of FIFA’s help, which is among the most corrupt organisations in the world!”

She continued: “I am not afraid of Argentina; I am more concerned about Gianni Infantino. I believe we are not just playing against Argentina, but against the entire FIFA, which seems determined to give the World Cup to Lionel Messi!”

Refereeing controversies overshadow Argentina’s run

The debate over alleged officiating bias intensified following Argentina’s 3-2 win over Egypt in the round of 16. That match was overshadowed by Mostafa Zico’s disallowed goal after a VAR review and a rejected penalty appeal for Egypt. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) later filed a formal complaint to FIFA, as reported by HuffPost, stating: “Defending the rights and interests of the Egyptian national team is not something that can be neglected or treated as secondary. It is a duty that we uphold with conviction and determination.”

However, FIFA’s head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, dismissed any suggestions of bias, while Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez described the officials’ performance as “excellent.”

Future uncertain for Messi and Ronaldo

The iconic rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo appears to be nearing its end after both concluded their latest World Cup journeys. Although Messi, aged 39, has not officially announced his retirement from international football, the Inter Miami star is widely expected to have played his final World Cup. Ronaldo, now 41, has also yet to confirm any plans to retire from representing Portugal. His former Al-Nassr coach, Jorge Jesus, has recently signed a deal to manage the Portuguese national team through to the 2030 World Cup.