Cristiano Ronaldo likes damning Instagram post accusing FIFA of ‘corruption’

It appears that Cristiano Ronaldo might buy into the conspiracy theory that FIFA allegedly fixed the 2026 World Cup.

The Portuguese player, 41, showed his support for a video shared to social media that accused the governing body of football of 'corruption'.

He double tapped a post shared by Spanish news channel Espejo Publico which suggested Argentina's place in the final on Sunday (19 July) was already a done deal.

Ronaldo isn't the only one who claims to have smelt a rat, as there has been a lot of speculation that the South American side have been given a lot of leeway during the World Cup.

Argentina appeared to get away with quite a lot on the pitch, while people couldn't believe that players were not penalised for holding a provocative banner referring to the Falkland Islands aloft after beating England in the semi-finals.

Despite their antics being condemned by countries around the world, Lionel Scaloni's lads have got off lightly.

FIFA is launching an investigation into what unfolded at the World Cup final after Spain reigned victorious, as punches were thrown on the pitch after the game came to an end.

Lionel Messi in particular has been characterised as FIFA’s 'golden boy' by football fans, however, he previously dismissed claims that him or his teammates benefitted from any bias.

In wake of Argentina's clash against England, the Inter Miami star said: "What this group has achieved is incredible - another final, we’ve come back to be world champions, we’re the best in the world after these four years, whether people like it or not, and no matter what they say.

"This proves that what we did wasn’t by chance and that nobody gave us anything. Reaching two World Cup finals is something few achieve, and this group did it.

"I know and we knew what we were capable of," Messi went on. "People out there had doubts, but when this group comes together and is united, it finds what it doesn’t have to give its all."

One of the people who apparently has some of the doubts mentioned by Messi is his rival Ronaldo.

Fans spotted that the father-of-five had liked a video that accused FIFA of being 'one of the most corrupt institutions on planet Earth'.

This remark was made by Espejo Publico journalist Pilar Rodriguez Losantos while she discussed the results of the 2026 World Cup with contributor Rubén Amón.

He described FIFA as a 'mafia' and dubbed it a 'shameful organisation', among other things. The TV stars suggested that the tournament was rigged in Argentina's favour.

According to Athlon Sports, Losantos told viewers tuning into Espejo Publico's coverage which aired before Sunday's final: "Argentina should have been eliminated at least five matches ago!

"They're still in the tournament thanks to FIFA's help! So I'm not afraid of Argentina at all. I'm more afraid of Infantino.

"I don't think we're going to be playing against Argentina, but against the whole of FIFA, who want to hand the World Cup to Lionel Messi."

And in what has been deemed as a sign of support for this conspiracy theory that has been doing the rounds online, Ronaldo liked the Instagram post that was shared a few days ago.

News of what the Al-Nassr ace, who scored three goals at this year's World Cup, has been up to on social media has sparked a lot of chatter online.

In a post on X, one person suggested Ronaldo might be feeling bitter after Portugal were knocked out in the Round of 16 - but others reckoned he might be onto something.

One said: "He mad he didn’t even get to reach semi-finals."

Another wrote: "His team wasn't helped by FIFA. He's not FIFA's b**ch like Messi."

A third added: "Ronaldo had more shots on target against Spain that the whole Argentina team combined."

While a fourth chimed in saying: "Why does he makes his jealousy of Messi so visible? Messi style of football is unique, not your regular step overs and so."

LADbible has contacted FIFA for comment.

After Portugal bowed out of the World Cup - which is Ronaldo's last - he said he 'gave it his all' and that he was 'leaving with a clear conscience'.

"That's the life of a footballer," he added. "You have to move forward. It was my last World Cup, yes… But as for the rest, there's time to think, to be with my family, and not say things in the heat of the moment."