Mario Kempes dismisses favoritism conspiracy claims about Argentina at the World Cup

Former World Cup champion Mario Kempes, 71, spoke to TyC Sports about online rumours that Argentina’s national team receives preferential treatment at the tournament. He said, “Los perdedores siempre se quejarán” (the losers will always complain) and warned that believing the title was “given” to Argentina is absurd. Kempes noted that speculation has risen after Lionel Messi’s fouls in the opening match against Algeria and controversial moments in the round‑of‑16 win over Egypt, despite the team coming back from 0‑2 down. He added that FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s praise for Messi and Argentina has only fueled the theories, but there is no factual basis for them. Kempes told a Colombian radio station that he is tired of answering the same questions repeatedly, emphasizing that the claims are unfounded.