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Oscar Okhifo
Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has dismissed allegations that FIFA is favouring Lionel Messi and Argentina at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, attributing the growing conspiracy theories to supporters of Cristiano Ronaldo rather than any evidence of bias by football’s governing body.
The former Chelsea midfielder made the remarks as debate continues to rage across the global football community over Argentina’s impressive march to the semi-finals, with critics questioning a number of officiating decisions that have gone in favour of the South American giants.
Mikel, however, insisted there was no basis for claims that FIFA was manipulating the tournament to help Messi win another World Cup title, arguing that such narratives are largely fuelled by the fierce and long-standing rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo.
According to the Nigerian football legend, Argentina’s success has been built on the quality of their performances on the pitch and should not be overshadowed by conspiracy theories.
He maintained that the reigning world champions deserve credit for earning their place among the tournament’s final four.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast ahead of Argentina’s blockbuster 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final clash against England, Mikel dismissed suggestions that FIFA was orchestrating the South Americans’ path to another World Cup final.
“I think it’s all coming from Ronaldo fans,” Mikel said, rejecting claims that football’s governing body was manipulating the tournament in favour of Lionel Messi and the reigning world champions.
He stressed that Argentina’s place in the last four was earned through consistent performances, tactical discipline and resilience, insisting that the team’s achievements should not be diminished by unfounded allegations of favouritism.
Mikel maintained that football should not be reduced to conspiracy theories whenever Argentina win matches, arguing that the South Americans have consistently demonstrated enough quality, character and determination to merit their place among the tournament’s remaining contenders.
He also noted that controversial refereeing decisions are an inevitable part of football and have featured in virtually every major international competition.
According to him, such incidents should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of bias or manipulation by FIFA.
The former Super Eagles skipper added that the enduring rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has significantly shaped public perception of the tournament, with many supporters viewing contentious moments through the lens of their loyalty to one of the two football icons.
He urged football enthusiasts to celebrate the quality and competitiveness of the World Cup rather than allow social media narratives and conspiracy theories to overshadow the achievements of players and teams.
Mikel added that the focus should remain on the football being played rather than speculation unsupported by evidence.
The global media space has, in recent weeks, been awash with allegations that FIFA has been favouring Lionel Messi and the Argentine national team at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The claims, widely circulated across television, newspapers and social media, have centred on a series of officiating decisions involving Argentina, with critics alleging that the South American champions have received preferential treatment.
FIFA has, however, consistently dismissed the allegations, maintaining that every decision taken during the tournament has been guided strictly by the Laws of the Game and its established regulations.
The governing body has repeatedly insisted that its match officials operate independently and that no team or player enjoys special treatment.
Mikel’s remarks, made on The Rest Is Football podcast and later amplified across social media and international news platforms, come as Argentina prepare to face England for a place in the World Cup final against Spain.
