Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has rejected suggestions that FIFA is favouring Lionel Messi and Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the claims as baseless and attributing them to supporters of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mikel made the remarks during an episode of The Rest Is Football podcast while discussing Argentina’s upcoming World Cup semi-final against England alongside former England international Joe Cole.
The debate began after Cole suggested there was a widespread perception that the football world wanted Messi to reach another World Cup final.
“I think the whole world wants Lionel Messi in the final,” Cole said, adding that while he was not alleging any manipulation by FIFA, there appeared to be a subconscious desire to see the Argentine captain progress further in the tournament.
Cole also warned that England would have to contend with Argentina’s experience and tactical approach, including the influence of midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, whom he described as a player capable of unsettling England’s Jude Bellingham.
Responding to the comments, Mikel firmly rejected any suggestion that FIFA was giving Argentina preferential treatment.
“I’m not buying into that. This is all the Ronaldo fans coming up with all this,” the former Chelsea midfielder said.
Mikel argued that Argentina’s favourable path to the latter stages of the competition was earned through their performances during the tournament rather than any external influence.
“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 got into the easier side of the draw,” he said.
He added that Messi’s impressive displays at the tournament were the result of his quality and consistency rather than any support from football’s governing body.
“Messi is doing his job. He’s playing, he’s scoring goals and he’s breaking records. FIFA are not favouring Messi,” Mikel said.
The discussion comes amid renewed debate among football fans over the long-running rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo, which has continued to dominate conversations throughout the 2026 World Cup.
While Ronaldo’s Portugal exited the tournament in the Round of 16 after a defeat to Spain, Messi has played a key role in guiding defending champions Argentina into the semi-finals, contributing important goals and assists as they continue their bid to retain the World Cup title.