Ronaldo fans behind FIFA-Messi conspiracy claims — Mikel Obi

Former Nigerian captain John Mikel Obi has strongly refuted claims that FIFA is unfairly favoring Lionel Messi and Argentina in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mikel dismissed these conspiracy theories as the product of Cristiano Ronaldo's fanbase, asserting that Argentina's advancement in the tournament is a result of their own performances.

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I’m not buying into that bullshit. This is all the Ronaldo fans coming up with all this crap.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Mikel responded to a discussion about global sentiment favoring Messi reaching the final. While former England midfielder Joe Cole suggested a widespread desire for Messi to be in the final, he clarified he was not alleging any FIFA misconduct. Mikel, however, rejected the premise entirely, stating, "I’m not buying into that bullshit. This is all the Ronaldo fans coming up with all this crap."

Mikel argued that Argentina secured a more favorable route through the tournament by winning their group matches. "If they won their games, which they should have done, they would not play tougher teams. Argentina did their job, they won their games, and they got into the easier group," he explained. He reiterated his stance, "So this is all Ronaldo fans. I don’t like that. FIFA are not favouring Messi."

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If they won their games, which they should have done, they would not play tougher teams. Argentina did their job, they won their games, and they got into the easier group.

The former Chelsea midfielder also commended Lionel Messi's individual contributions, noting that the Argentina captain continues to justify his reputation. "Messi is doing his job. He’s playing, he’s scoring goals, and he’s breaking records," Mikel said. He added that if Argentina defeats England, they would have a strong chance to win the tournament for a second consecutive time, referencing their 2022 victory.

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Messi is doing his job. He’s playing, he’s scoring goals, and he’s breaking records.