Ronaldo sparks controversy after liking video accusing FIFA of corruption

Cristiano Ronaldo has drawn online controversy after his verified Instagram account briefly liked a video accusing FIFA of corruption and favouring Argentina during their run to the 2026 World Cup final.

Screenshots showing his verified account, @cristiano, among those who liked the clip spread rapidly across social media.

Although the like was later removed and Ronaldo has offered no explanation, the interaction has triggered widespread debate among football fans.

The video originated from the Spanish television show Espejo Público and featured journalist Pilar Rodríguez Losantos making explosive claims against world football’s governing body.

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"Argentina are a team who should have been eliminated approximately five matches ago, with the help of FIFA, which is one of the most corrupt institutions on planet Earth," Losantos said in Spanish.

She added that Spain would effectively face both Argentina and FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the final, alleging that officials desperately wanted Lionel Messi’s team to remain in the competition.

While a single social media post does not confirm Ronaldo endorses every claim in the clip, the moment carries immense weight given the broader context of the tournament.

The brief interaction arrived shortly after Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the round of 16, a match Ronaldo subsequently confirmed was his final appearance on the World Cup stage.

The viral reaction also underscores the enduring public intrigue surrounding the two-decade rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi. Any subtle gesture from either icon regarding the other instantly commands worldwide attention.

Crucially, the post tapped into existing friction around Argentina’s journey to the title decider. Their contentious 3-2 victory over Egypt in the round of 16 had already sparked outcry after Egypt had a goal disallowed following a VAR review and saw a late penalty claim rejected.

FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina later denied any institutional bias and defended the match officials, stressing that no evidence of corruption exists.

Argentina ultimately lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time during the final.