“Referees guarantee independence and deny favoritism in the world championship.”

The idea that FIFA favors Argentina and Lionel Messi in the World Cup is a conspiracy theory that an official who has been present at the event vehemently denies. This referee, who served as an assistant in two World Cup editions, in 2010 and 2014, guarantees that there is no favoritism or manipulation by the officials.

During his appointments, which included matches officiated by Howard Webb, he emphasized that referees are independent and make their decisions autonomously, away from FIFA's influence. “I can assure you that this has not changed. Referees come from all corners of the world, from different associations and confederations, and FIFA only requests their services for six weeks,” he stated. Additionally, he explained that referees participate in a separate training ground, without contact with FIFA executive members during the tournament.


*The World Cup is experienced with LEGO*

[THE 2026 WORLD CUP IS EXPERIENCED WITH LEGO](https://www.lego.com/pt-pt/categories/football/football-gifts-toys)

The pace of work is intense, with daily physical training, video analysis, and evaluation meetings after each match. The referee emphasizes that there is no secret plan to ensure Messi reaches the final. “The suggestion that we are involved in a scheme to get Messi to the final is simply false,” he assured. He also mentioned a rumor about a supposed desire from FIFA for a final between Argentina and Spain to symbolize the passing of the torch between Messi and Lamine Yamal, but he confessed to having no knowledge of any such thing.

The referee acknowledged that mistakes happen, as humans are officiating very fast-paced games. However, these errors do not result from any instruction to favor one side. “We do not officiate based on the name of the player. In important matches, like a Barcelona-Bayern in the Champions League, for example, we did not award a penalty to Barcelona in a play involving Messi, and only later did we realize that it might have been a penalty,” he recounted.

football/football-gifts-toys”>

O MUNDIAL 2026 VIVE-SE COM A LEGO

The accusations and conspiracy theories cause real harm to referees, including threats and abuse. Pierluigi Collina, who oversees officiating at the World Cup, defended the officials following accusations of favoritism in Argentina's victory over Egypt (3-2), where referee François Letexier was accused of benefiting the South American team. Collina emphasized that these narratives can lead to threats against the referees' families, something that the assistant has witnessed on other occasions.

This referee proudly recalls having participated in the 2010 World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands, a match that was difficult to officiate, with 14 yellow cards and expulsions, but exemplifies the integrity and professionalism required of all officials. His message is clear: officiating is done with honesty, without any form of favoritism or conspiracy in the World Cups.

NOW YOU CAN FOLLOW THE WORLD CUP WITH ALL THE INFORMATION – HERE