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Christian Martinoli has been one of the most prominent and beloved figures in sports journalism; his humorous and charismatic commentary earned TV Azteca high ratings for every 2026 World Cup match broadcast for free by the network, but now it seems he has unleashed the fury of fans… Why? What did he say?
Recently, during the program Los Protagonistas, the commentator defended Argentina after it was suggested that FIFA is helping the team and Lionel Messi himself to win the World Cup once again, benefiting them over other teams with calls in their favor on the pitch.
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Martinoli debated this topic with his co-hosts, questioning why help has also been provided to other teams, such as Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, during the round of 16 match against Croatia.
He also said that Argentina had never received help in previous World Cups, that they were even placed in "groups of death," and that the current siege against the Albiceleste team is only because it is one of the most hated in the world:
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“Today, there is talk about the opponents Argentina faces in recent World Cups, but in 2002 and 2026, nobody said they were in the group of death; nobody got angry about it (...) It is maximized a lot because Argentina is a very hated team in the world. It must be the most hated team along with France,” he noted.
“Argentina polarizes in soccer; it is not Brazil. Brazil is everyone's second team; Argentina is not,” he mentioned.
He added: “Portugal did not play against Argentina because Portugal could not win their group over Colombia. And who is talking about Portugal now? Why don't we complain that Portugal didn't rise to the occasion of the demands they faced? Can we be fair about everything?”
Following his comments, social media users brought to light that Cristian Martinoli was born in Mar del Plata, Argentina, but obtained Mexican nationality by birth because his mother is originally from the State of Mexico.
His first nationality, they claim, is the reason why he is supporting Argentina despite all the controversy generated by the way FIFA is clearly helping them in every match.
Argentina's performances in their last matches, first against Cape Verde and later against Egypt, were marked by controversy on and off the pitch.
In the round of 16 against Cape Verde, allegations arose from fans who accused the Argentines of aggression, throwing objects, and acts of racism in the stands.
The controversy continued in the duel against Egypt, where Argentina came from behind to win 3-2. The Egyptian national team questioned the officiating after a goal was disallowed by VAR and a supposed penalty on Mohamed Salah was not called before the Albiceleste's final goal. Players and coaching staff expressed their dissatisfaction, claiming the decisions directly influenced the outcome.
Criticism grew when the Egyptian head coach himself insinuated that the tournament favored Argentina and that the match had been "rigged" just to give another championship to Messi.
[Publicidad]