Cristiano Ronaldo sparks storm after liking Instagram post alleging FIFA helped Argentina reach World Cup final
Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked controversy by liking an Instagram post that alleges FIFA manipulated the 2026 World Cup to favor Lionel Messi and Argentina. The interaction has fueled ongoing debates regarding the rivalry between the two players and the integrity of football's governing body.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the massive influence of athlete social media activity on public discourse and sports integrity narratives.
Cristiano Ronaldo has reignited controversy surrounding Argentina’s run to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after his verified Instagram account liked a video accusing FIFA of helping Lionel Messi’s side progress through the tournament.Screenshots circulating on social media showed Ronaldo’s verified account, @cristiano, among those who had liked the Instagram reel.The video was uploaded by the Instagram account of Spanish television programme Espejo Público before Spain faced Argentina in the World Cup final. It featured journalist Pilar Rodríguez Losantos making serious allegations against world football’s governing body and questioning the legitimacy of Argentina’s route through the knockout rounds.“Argentina are a team who should have been eliminated approximately five matches ago, with the help of FIFA, which is one of the most corrupt institutions on planet Earth,” Rodríguez Losantos said in Spanish.She also suggested that Spain would effectively be competing against FIFA president Gianni Infantino as well as Argentina in the…
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