The Instagram post featured excerpts from the Spanish program Espejo Publico, where journalists Pilar Rodrigues Losantos and Ruben Amon strongly criticized FIFA. Ronaldo's "like," however, does not necessarily mean he endorses all the content.

Cristiano Ronaldo liked the post questioning FIFA's alleged rigging for Lionel Messi and Argentina to reach the 2026 World Cup final.

During the program, Losantos labeled FIFA "one of the most corrupt organizations on the planet," asserting that Argentina would have been eliminated much earlier without the body's support. "Argentina should have been eliminated five matches ago," she stated. "They only advanced thanks to FIFA's assistance. My concern isn't Argentina, but President Gianni Infantino. I believe we are not just competing against Argentina, but against FIFA, an organization determined to hand the World Cup to Messi."

Amon, meanwhile, described FIFA as a "disgraceful organization, operating like a mafia," suggesting that football endures despite the body's governance. These comments surface as FIFA faces widespread criticism over its management and refereeing throughout the tournament. British newspaper Sportmail highlighted several controversial decisions benefiting Argentina on their path to the final.

The first incident involved Lionel Messi kicking Aissa Mandi's calf without receiving a card during Argentina's 3-0 group stage victory over Algeria. In the round of 16, Egyptian players expressed frustration over a disallowed goal and a penalty claim not reviewed by video assistant referee, contributing to their 2-3 defeat against Argentina.

In the quarterfinals, Argentina defeated Switzerland while having a numerical advantage after Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation. Following the match, several Swiss national team members, including captain Granit Xhaka, Manuel Akanji, Remo Freuler, and coach Murat Yakin, criticized the refereeing for directly affecting the result.

The article also noted FIFA's failure to immediately sanction Argentina after players displayed banners related to the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) following their semifinal match against England, despite regulations prohibiting political messages during the tournament.

Forward Lionel Messi was disappointed after Argentina lost 0-1 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA on 19/7/2026. Photo: AP

Forward Lionel Messi was disappointed after Argentina lost 0-1 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA on 19/7/2026. Photo: AP

In the final, Argentina was outplayed, failing to register a single shot on target, and ultimately lost 0-1 to Spain. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's outstanding performance, including 12 saves, prevented a larger defeat for the 2022 champions. This loss meant Argentina missed the opportunity to become the first team to successfully defend the World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.

Ronaldo's Portugal also lost 0-1 to Spain in the round of 16. Earlier, Portugal had defeated Croatia in the round of 32 due to a controversial video assistant referee decision. Croatia had an equalizer disallowed in injury time, prompting Luka Modric to suggest that video assistant referee was applied selectively.

Key events of the 2026 World Cup final.

Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail)