Argentina's World Cup Run: Favoritism, Conspiracy Theories, and Confirmation Bias?

As the 2026 World Cup approaches its final, a persistent narrative suggests Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, has benefited from biased officiating.

This "conspiracy theory" gains traction from real events, amplified by FIFA President Gianni Infantino's past remarks. In 2017, Infantino told Argentinian newspaper La Nación that it would be "unjust" for Messi to retire without winning a World Cup. Last year, he also decreed Inter Miami's participation in the Club World Cup, further fueling speculation about preferential treatment for the star.

The close ties between Infantino and "Chiqui" Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, are well-documented. The two were seen together at Argentina's semi-final match, reinforcing the perception of a system potentially favoring Messi's quest for a World Cup title.

These claims, though rooted in some factual observations, are presented as a pervasive undercurrent as Argentina prepares to face Spain in the final, raising questions about the integrity of the tournament's later stages.

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it would be unjust that Messi retires without having won a World Cup