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Lionel Messi is a global trend, but this time not because of a record or a historic performance, but rather because of the attitude he showed in the 2026 World Cup final and throughout the tournament, as noted by millions of fans on social media. Following Argentina's defeat against Spain, internet users and sports analysts began to debate whether the Albiceleste captain lost more than just the World Cup, after images of the awards ceremony and moments from Sunday's match went viral, leading to harsh criticism suggesting he had also lost respect and credibility.
Phrases like "Messi lost respect," "Messi lost credibility," and "Messi is no longer the same leader" were launched on various platforms such as TikTok, X, Twitter, and Facebook due to frustration with the Argentine over how he performed as a player in the final match and at other moments during the FIFA World Cup.
¿Por qué dicen que Messi perdió el respeto y la credibilidad?
The controversy began after the final between Argentina and Spain, when videos of the match and Spain's award ceremony were shared on social media. The moment when Messi and almost all the Argentine players turned their backs on the 'Furia Roja' as they prepared to lift the Cup went around the world.
Another moment that caused controversy was when the Albiceleste's number 10 feigned a foul and accused Cucurella to the referee for allegedly covering his mouth; in the video circulating on social networks, the Spanish player is not seen offending the Argentine forward, so this gesture by Messi was interpreted as an act of dishonesty intended to get the player sent off.
Another of the scandalous moments that went viral on social media was when, seconds before Enzo Fernández was sent off, another Argentina player threw himself onto the grass without a foul having been committed against him; facing this action and seeing the harsh tackle Enzo had made (for which he was ultimately sent off), Messi ran to the referee and asked for a non-existent foul to be called.
It is for these reasons that fans believe the defeat and the tournament in general damaged the Argentine captain's image. "Messi lost more than the World Cup," "He also lost the respect of many fans," "The image he left behind was not the best," "Messi's worst World Cup," "He shouldn't have even played," and "Dishonest and disrespectful" have been some of the reactions.
Has Messi responded to the criticism? So far, he has not issued any statements regarding the controversy generated on social media or the comments questioning his leadership after the final. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has also not made any statement regarding the matter.
[Publicidad]