Brazil international Ribeiro has sparked debate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after alleging that match officials have been offering special protection to Argentina captain Lionel Messi during the tournament.
The comments came as Argentina advanced to the World Cup final following a hard-fought victory over England, with Messi once again playing a central role in his team’s success. Ribeiro suggested that referees have been quick to award fouls in the veteran forward’s favor while showing greater leniency toward challenges involving other players.
Speaking after Brazil’s exit from the competition, Ribeiro claimed that Messi’s stature in world football may have influenced some officiating decisions, although he stopped short of accusing referees of deliberate bias.
“Messi is one of the greatest players in history, but sometimes it feels like the referees are protecting him more than other players,” Ribeiro said. “Every footballer deserves equal treatment on the pitch.”
Argentina have been one of the standout teams at the tournament, combining disciplined defending with attacking efficiency to secure another appearance in the World Cup final. Messi has once again been instrumental in the Albiceleste’s campaign, contributing goals, assists, and leadership as the defending champions seek to retain the title.
The allegations have not been addressed by FIFA or the tournament’s refereeing committee, and there has been no official response from the Argentina camp. Football’s governing body has consistently maintained that refereeing decisions are based on the Laws of the Game and are supported by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system where applicable.
The remarks have generated widespread discussion among supporters and football analysts, with opinions divided over whether elite players receive additional protection from officials due to the frequency of fouls committed against them.
Argentina are now preparing to face Spain in the World Cup final, where they will attempt to secure back-to-back world titles. The controversy surrounding Ribeiro’s comments adds another layer of intrigue to the build-up, but both teams will ultimately be focused on delivering a performance worthy of football’s biggest stage.
