SerpApi.Org
Cristiano Ronaldo has found himself back in the middle of the Lionel Messi debate after fans noticed his verified Instagram account had reportedly liked a video accusing FIFA of helping Argentina reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
Ronaldo has not publicly commented on the interaction or explained why he liked the Instagram post, but screenshots circulating on social media quickly stoked speculation that the Portuguese superstar agreed with the video’s claims. The post accused FIFA of favoring Argentina throughout the tournament and questioned several controversial officiating decisions that went Messi’s way.
While an Instagram “like” doesn’t confirm Ronaldo endorses every claim made in the video, it was enough to reignite one of soccer’s longest-running rivalries online. Within hours, fans on both sides were debating whether the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was taking a subtle shot at Messi following Argentina’s runner-up finish.
The timing only propelled the discussion. Both Ronaldo and Messi played what many expect to be their final World Cup tournaments in 2026. Though Portugal exited before the final, Messi guided Argentina back to the championship before falling 1-0 to Spain in extra time.
Ronaldo’s Like Fuels World Cup Controversy Around Argentina’s
The video Ronaldo reportedly liked centered on criticism that had followed Argentina for much of the knockout stage.
Questions surrounding the tournament intensified after Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the Round of 16. Egypt built an early two-goal lead before Argentina rallied, but the match featured several controversial officiating decisions that quickly became talking points across the soccer world.
Included was a goal from Egypt’s Mostafa Zico that was overturned following a Video Assistant Referee review. Egypt was also denied a late penalty appeal shortly before Argentina scored the winning goal. Those controversial decisions generated a plethora of criticism from supporters and analysts alike.
The Egyptian Football Association later filed a formal complaint with FIFA over the officiating.
“Defending the rights and interests of the Egyptian national team is not a matter that can be ignored, minimized, or treated as secondary,” the federation said in a statement.
The controversy gave rise to the nickname “VARgentina” on Instagram and X as critics alleged Argentina benefited from multiple VAR decisions throughout the tournament that ultimately went in their favor.
FIFA, however, has forcefully rejected all claims that any of its officials manipulated matches. Referees chief Pierluigi Collina dismissed the accusations of bias in favor of Argentina while star defender Lisandro Martínez applauded the officiating crew’s performance during the tournament.
No evidence has emerged showing FIFA deliberately influenced matches to help Argentina reach the World Cup Final.
Separately, the Argentine Football Association is reportedly facing scrutiny over financial matters unrelated to the tournament itself. According to multiple reports, U.S. federal investigators are examining more than $300 million that moved through American banks as part of the federation’s international commercial operations. The reported inquiry concerns business dealings and monetary dealings—not match officiating or World Cup results—and no charges have been announced against Messi.
That distinction hasn’t stopped online speculation.
Because of FIFA’s well-documented corruption scandals from the last decade, allegations involving the organization continue to gain traction whenever controversial refereeing decisions occur, even when no supporting evidence is presented.
Whether Ronaldo intended to send a message or simply interacted with a viral post remains unknown. He has yet to address the reported Instagram activity publicly. Still, given the history between two of soccer’s greatest players, even a single social media interaction was enough to reignite debate over Messi, FIFA and Argentina’s run to another World Cup Final.
