Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo fuels "FIFA bias" for Argentina by liking post on Instagram
However, as of now, there has been no verification over whether the player actually liked that post or not
XtraTime Newsdesk: Claims that FIFA preferred Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are not new. However, the allegations have reached an all-time high after Cristiano Ronaldo was accused of 'liking' a post on Instagram claiming the same. Ronaldo, who was eliminated in the Round of 16 by eventual champions Spain, is said to have liked a video on the Instagram account 'espejopublico' in which panellists discussed various instances during the World Cup in which referees and the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) team appeared to favour Lionel Messi's Argentina.
In the video, Spanish journalist Pilar Rodriguez Losantos compiled a clip highlighting multiple such instances. Losantos 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."
However, as of now, there has been no verification over whether the player actually liked that post or not. Either he unliked it or did like it but removed it later on
The claims over Argentina getting preferred treatment stems from the Round of 16 game against Egypt. There were a few decisions that went against that fueled this conspiracy theory among people.
FIFA, however, has consistently rejected these allegations, dismissing the notion that decisions on the field were influenced.
"Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport," Collina said. "Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials... Nobody can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA president."