Cristiano Ronaldo didn't say a word. He didn't need to. On July 20th, eagle-eyed fans spotted the 41-year-old liking an Instagram video from @espejopublico that flatly accused FIFA of corruption — specifically, of engineering Argentina's path to the 2026 World Cup final.
The like has since disappeared, but the internet doesn't forget.
What the accusations actually are
The controversy centres on Argentina's 2-1 win over England in the semi-finals, a match where referees voided a goal for Egypt earlier in the tournament under scrutiny, and where a potential foul by Argentina went uninvestigated. FIFA's refereeing decisions throughout the tournament drew serious complaints from fans and officials alike — not just social media noise.
Argentina ultimately lost the final 1-0 to Spain, who were clinical and composed in a way Messi's side simply weren't. After the final whistle, several Argentina players were involved in altercations with Spain players — and FIFA has since launched a formal investigation into Argentina's post-match conduct. Player suspensions and fines for the Argentine Football Association are both on the table.
For Ronaldo, this wasn't just spectating from a distance. Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the Round of 16 — the same Spain who went on to win the whole thing. Had Portugal progressed, they would have faced England next. So there's personal stake buried in that like, even if he's keeping his actual thoughts offline.
The end of an era, for both of them
It was Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance. He confirmed it himself after the Spain defeat: "It was my last World Cup, yes... But as for the rest, there's time to think, to be with my family, and not say things in the heat of the moment." At 41, he was the second-oldest player in the tournament behind Scottish goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Messi's future with Argentina is murkier than the headlines suggest. He's 37 now — by the time the 2030 World Cup arrives, he'll be 42, turning 43 during the tournament itself. He set up both Argentina goals against England but couldn't unlock Spain. That's the last image of him in a World Cup final.
FIFA's investigation into Argentina's post-match behaviour adds another layer of uncertainty heading into the fallout period. If key players are suspended, AFA's short-term plans take a hit — and any futures market on Argentina's 2030 odds just got a little cloudier.
Ronaldo liked the video. Argentina lost the final. FIFA is investigating. And somehow Messi still ends his World Cup without a winner's medal in 2026.
