Messi dismisses conspiracy theories after World Cup final

Lionel Messi rejected conspiracy theories that emerged after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. He spoke on the night of his retirement from international football, around three months after the Albiceleste’s defeat, and made his first comments since the loss.

Some Argentines had viewed the players’ calm demeanour and apparent lack of enthusiasm against Spain as signs that an unknown factor had affected or restrained them. Those theories looked for an explanation off the field for their team’s performance. On social media, a conspiracy theory had also spread among some supporters seeking to explain the defeat, despite Spain’s clear superiority over 120 minutes.

In his farewell speech to supporters, Messi pushed back against the speculation: « The last World Cup was very intense. We dreamed of winning the world champions’ title again, and we came close, but nothing strange happened in the final, as some people say. We did our best. The match against England (the semi-final) was very demanding for us. »