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Argentinians furious with the choice of Rodri as best player of the 2026 World Cup

By OnzeActu · · 6 min read

Argentinians furious with the choice of Rodri as best player of the 2026 World Cup

FIFA chose Rodri as the best player of the 2026 World Cup, to the great dismay of Argentine fans who believe that Lionel Messi deserved this title for his emotional and sporting impact.

According to Vi.

Why it matters

The designation of Rodri as best player of the 2026 World Cup has sparked intense controversy, particularly in Argentina, where fans believe that Lionel Messi, with his emotional and sporting impact, should have received this honor. This choice highlights the tensions between perceptions of individual and collective performance in football, especially in the context of a tournament as prestigious as the World Cup.

Key points

  • Argentines furious with the choice of Rodri as best player of the 2026 World Cup.
  • FIFA chose Rodri as the best player of the 2026 World Cup, to the great dismay of Argentine fans who believe that Lionel Messi deserved this title for his emotional and sporting impact.
  • Argentijnen boos over uitverkiezing Rodri boven Messi: 'Bijna een belediging'.

The designation of Rodri as best player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup causes shock waves in Argentina. The Spanish midfielder, crowned world champion with La Roja, was preferred to Lionel Messi by FIFA, a choice that goes down very poorly in South American countries, and particularly in the Argentine media.

Rodri thus makes history by becoming the seventh player to win a world title, a European Championship or a Copa América, the Champions League and a Ballon d'Or, joining world football legends such as Gerd Müller, Franz Beckenbauer, Zinédine Zidane, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and even Messi himself. His exceptional career convinced the world football body, which awarded him the prize for the best player of this 2026 World Cup.

However, this decision caused an outcry in Argentina, notably in the media TyC Sports, which described this selection as "almost an insult". The newspaper underlines that the choice seems to demonstrate "a total lack of sensitivity". "It's not because Rodri is a bad player, but quite simply because Messi was the soul of Argentina and of this World Cup. At 39 years old, he lit up the pitch with his brilliance and his tears. He filled the stadiums with his presence, attracting fans of all nationalities who came to see with their own eyes this phenomenon of our time," insists the media.

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Tyc Sports also criticizes FIFA's alleged selection criteria, recalling that if it is victory that takes precedence, the goal is the key element of success. "Gianni Infantino and his team should understand that football is won with goals, not just passes. Rodri didn't score a single goal in the competition and delivered numerous passes without any leading to an assist. But that's a broader debate that will be addressed another time."

This controversy reflects the passion for football in Argentina, where Messi is more than a player, a national icon and a symbol of global competition. However, FIFA chose to reward Rodri's collective contribution and tactical influence for this tournament. This debate highlights the tensions between individual performances, team contributions and subjective assessments in the awarding of distinctions at the highest level of world sport.

On the sidelines of this controversy, the 2026 World Cup will remain marked by the triumph of Spain, world champion, as well as by the moving farewell of Lionel Messi, who still captivated the crowds despite the final outcome.

[Image: Rodri during the 2026 World Cup final] https://webp.vi.cdn.pxr.nl/news/2026/07/20/41de6b3d6ae6401e6f107f7fa284559815e424f8.jpg?width=1200

The rest

Following this decision, it is likely that debates around the criteria for selecting the best FIFA players will intensify. The Argentine media will likely continue to express their displeasure, while Rodri will have to navigate this controversy while celebrating his success. Football fans around the world will also be closely following reactions to Messi's impact on the 2026 World Cup.

Frequently asked questions

What happened with Rodri and Lionel Messi at the 2026 World Cup?

Rodri was named the best player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a choice that provoked a strong reaction in Argentina, where many believe Lionel Messi should have received the title.

Who confirmed that Rodri is the best player of the 2026 World Cup?

FIFA awarded the title of best player of the 2026 World Cup to Rodri.

Why was this decision made now?

The decision was made after Spain's victory at the 2026 World Cup, where Rodri played a key role in the team.

What are the reactions in Argentina following this decision?

Argentinian media, notably TyC Sports, criticized Rodri's selection, calling it 'almost an insult' and highlighting the lack of recognition for Messi.

What changes were observed in the selection criteria

of FIFA?

TyC Sports has questioned FIFA's selection criteria, suggesting the choice of Rodri does not take into account Messi's impact on the tournament.

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