Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has dismissed claims that FIFA is favouring Lionel Messi and Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the conspiracy theories as the handiwork of supporters of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mikel made the comments on The Rest Is Football podcast during a discussion previewing Wednesday’s semi-final clash between defending champions Argentina and England at the 2026 tournament.
The exchange was triggered by remarks from former England midfielder Joe Cole, who suggested there was widespread global desire to see Messi reach the final.
“I think the whole world wants Lionel Messi in the final.
“They’re going to have to deal with the shithousery from the Argentinians… If I’m the manager, I would buy into that, and I think they’ll target Jude Bellingham. I think you’ll see De Paul niggling at him. He plays on the edge,” Cole said.
Cole, however, clarified that he was not alleging match manipulation by FIFA.
“I’m not saying there’s anything, any skulduggery at all, from FIFA; the vibes of the world want Argentina to get there because they want Messi to get there,” he added.
Responding, Mikel rejected the claim, insisting Argentina’s progress was down to its performances rather than any preferential treatment.
“I’m not buying into that bullshit. This is all the Ronaldo fans coming up with all this crap,” Mikel said.
He argued that Argentina had earned a favourable route through the tournament by winning its group.
“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.
“So this is all Ronaldo fans. I don’t like that. FIFA are not favouring Messi.”
The former Chelsea midfielder praised Messi’s performances, saying the Argentina captain had continued to justify his reputation.
“Messi is doing his job. He’s playing, he’s scoring goals, and he’s breaking records.
“If they play well tomorrow and beat England, I think they have the chance to go back-to-back,” he said.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, reached the semi-final stage with high drama.
Argentina, led by the 39-year-old Messi, are seeking to defend the title they won in Qatar 2022.
A victory over England would set up a final on Sunday against Spain, who advanced by defeating France 2-0 in the other semi-final on Tuesday.