Mikel Obi blames Ronaldo fans for spreading FIFA favouritism claims against Messi
Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has disputed claims that FIFA is favouring Lionel Messi and Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, instead accusing Cristiano Ronaldo supporters of spreading these rumours. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast ahead of England's semi-final clash with Argentina, Mikel Obi responded to his former Chelsea teammate Joe Cole, who suggested the 'whole world wants Messi in the final' and accused Argentina of using 'dark arts' to win matches.
Mikel Obi countered that Argentina earned their favourable position by winning their group fairly. He explained that if other teams had won their games, they would have faced easier opponents. 'Argentina did their job, they won their games, and they got into the easier group,' he said, dismissing the favouritism claims as baseless attacks from Ronaldo fans.
The exchange highlights the intense rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo supporters that extends beyond club football into international tournaments. Mikel Obi's intervention adds a Nigerian perspective to the ongoing debate about World Cup fairness and tournament politics, reflecting how African football figures engage with global football narratives.