Speculation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and FIFA World Cup 2026 has taken another twist after social media users claimed the Portugal captain had liked an Instagram post accusing FIFA of favouring Argentina during the tournament.

The claim spread rapidly online, with many suggesting Ronaldo had endorsed allegations that referees and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) repeatedly made decisions in Argentina’s favour. However, a closer look at the viral post paints a less straightforward picture.

Viral Instagram claim sparks debate

The controversy began after an Instagram account named ‘espejopublico’ shared a video discussing several refereeing decisions involving Argentina during the World Cup. In the clip, Spanish journalist Pilar Rodriguez Losantos highlighted multiple incidents that she believed had benefited Lionel Messi’s side during the tournament.

“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,” she said.

Soon after the video gained traction, social media users claimed Ronaldo had liked the post, fuelling fresh debate over the tournament’s officiating and whether the Portuguese superstar shared those views.

Fact check: Was Ronaldo’s like actually there?

Despite the widespread claims, there is no confirmed evidence that Cristiano Ronaldo currently liked the Instagram post. A fact-check conducted by NDTV found that Ronaldo’s verified Instagram account did not appear among the likes on the video.

Based on that observation, two possibilities remain. Either Ronaldo had previously liked the post and later removed the interaction, or the claim was inaccurate from the beginning and no such like ever existed.

At present, there is no publicly available confirmation proving that Ronaldo endorsed the video.

Why have FIFA bias claims continued?

Questions over whether Argentina received favourable treatment have circulated throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026, particularly because several key VAR decisions went in the team’s favour.

One point frequently raised by critics is that Argentina did not have a single VAR decision overturned against them during the tournament. The debate intensified following Argentina’s Round of 16 encounter with Egypt.

Egypt match became a major talking point

During the knockout clash, Egypt believed they had scored what would have been a crucial second goal. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out because officials identified a foul committed more than 10 seconds before the ball entered the net.

Late in the match, Egypt also appealed strongly for a penalty, but the request was rejected.

Those decisions added fuel to claims from some supporters and commentators that Argentina had benefited from important officiating calls.

No confirmation of Ronaldo’s alleged support

Although the Instagram claim generated significant attention online, there is currently no verified proof that Cristiano Ronaldo endorsed the post alleging FIFA favoured Argentina.

The discussion surrounding Argentina’s VAR decisions continues to divide football fans, but the viral claim involving Ronaldo remains unconfirmed. FIFA, meanwhile, has maintained its stance that match officials acted independently throughout the World Cup and that allegations of manipulation have no factual basis.

FAQs

Did Cristiano Ronaldo like the Instagram post about FIFA favouring Argentina?

There is no confirmed evidence. A fact check found Ronaldo’s verified account was not among the likes on the post.

Why are fans claiming FIFA favoured Argentina at the 2026 World Cup?

Some fans pointed to VAR decisions involving Argentina, but FIFA has rejected all allegations of bias and defended the integrity of its match officials.