Cristiano Ronaldo's alleged Instagram 'like' doesn't prove FIFA bias — and the evidence falls short.
Claims that Cristiano Ronaldo endorsed allegations of FIFA favouring Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have spread rapidly across social media. However, an NDTV fact-check found no evidence that Ronaldo's verified Instagram account currently liked the viral post, leaving the controversy without conclusive proof.
The speculation began after screenshots circulated online claiming Ronaldo had liked an Instagram video posted by the account 'espejopublico', where Spanish journalist Pilar Rodriguez Losantos argued that Lionel Messi's Argentina benefited from favourable refereeing and VAR decisions throughout the tournament. While fans interpreted the alleged like as Ronaldo backing those accusations, NDTV's review of the original Instagram post found no visible like from the Portugal captain's account.
What Led To The Ronaldo Instagram Claims?
The controversy gained momentum after the Instagram video was widely shared across football communities and later amplified on X (formerly Twitter), with several users claiming Ronaldo had interacted with the post.
The video featured Pilar Rodriguez Losantos highlighting multiple refereeing incidents involving Argentina during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Among her strongest claims was that Argentina should have been eliminated much earlier in the tournament and had benefited from FIFA's influence.
According to NDTV's verification, there are only two realistic explanations: Ronaldo either removed a previous like before the check was conducted, or the alleged like never existed in the first place. No publicly available evidence conclusively establishes either scenario.
"Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport."
FIFA Rejects Claims Of Argentina Favouritism
The allegations are rooted in several controversial VAR decisions during Argentina's run to the World Cup final rather than in Ronaldo's social media activity itself.
Critics have pointed to Argentina's Round of 16 victory over Egypt, where Mohamed Salah's side had a goal ruled out following a VAR review for an earlier foul. Egypt also appealed unsuccessfully for a late penalty, fuelling debate over the officiating.
Questions were also raised during Argentina's quarter-final after Breel Embolo's red card became a decisive moment in the South American side's progression.
Adding to the discussion is one notable statistic: Argentina reportedly did not have a single VAR decision overturned against them during the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026. While that figure has been widely cited by critics, FIFA has maintained that it does not indicate bias and reflects only decisions made according to the Laws of the Game.
Collina dismissed suggestions that FIFA officials influence referees, stating that nobody can question the integrity of World Cup match officials or claim refereeing decisions are controlled by FIFA leadership.
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What Happens Next?
Unless Ronaldo publicly addresses the claims or fresh evidence emerges, the controversy is likely to remain another example of how social media speculation can outpace verified reporting.
The wider debate surrounding VAR decisions during Argentina's World Cup campaign is unlikely to disappear, particularly after several contentious knockout-stage incidents. Yet, based on the available evidence, there is currently no verified proof that Ronaldo publicly endorsed the accusations against FIFA. The focus therefore remains on verified facts rather than viral screenshots.