Lionel Messi faces favoritism claims as Argentina advances in 2026 World Cup

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a wave of conspiracy theories has accused Argentina and its star forward Lionel Messi of receiving preferential treatment. Critics point to several disputed moments, including Messi’s alleged foul on Algeria’s Aïssa Mandi that resulted only in a warning, controversial decisions in the round‑of‑16 victory over Egypt, and a low yellow‑card rate (one every 19.7 fouls) compared with other teams. Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan labelled the match “manipulated,” and some social‑media accounts have suggested FIFA president Gianni Infantino is biased toward Messi.

Separate coverage notes Messi’s cultural impact in Argentina: Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva quoted a post‑World‑Cup‑2022 message by Messi during a Independence Day mass attended by President Javier Milei. In sports analysis, The Athletic placed Messi atop its ranking of the tournament’s top 50 players, ahead of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, while noting his missed penalties. Experts in Brazil and Paraguay examined how Messi, at nearly 40, sustains elite performance, attributing his longevity to experience, tactical adaptation, nutrition and advanced recovery protocols. A broader report highlighted that veteran players now account for about 6 % of World Cup squads, with Messi and fellow veteran Nicolás Otamendi cited as key contributors to Argentina’s continued success.