Conspiracy theories swirl as Argentina advances to World Cup semifinal after controversial match against Egypt

Argentina's journey to the World Cup semifinal has been accompanied by a resurgence of conspiracy theories, with fans and rivals alike pointing to disputed officiating in their match against Egypt as evidence of favoritism toward Lionel Messi. The tournament's defending champions are set to face England next, but the narrative off the pitch has been dominated by allegations of manipulation, fueled by social media and AI-generated content.

According to Folha de S.Paulo, the Argentine national team's path to the semifinal has been marked by conspiracy theories on social media, where opponents and users claim the team benefited from biased refereeing and FIFA favoritism. The outlet reported that AI-generated videos and memes have reinforced the story that "os atuais campeões mundiais estão sendo ajudados dentro e fora de campo" (the current world champions are being helped on and off the field).

"Decisões polêmicas na partida entre Argentina e Egito reavivaram teorias de que a Copa do Mundo seria manipulada para beneficiar Lionel Messi, embora não haja evidências concretas."

Diário do Estado de São PauloArgentina x Egito reacende suspeitas de favorecimento a Messi na Copa do Mundo

The Diário do Estado de São Paulo noted that controversial decisions in the Argentina-Egypt match have revived theories that the World Cup is being rigged to favor Lionel Messi, though it stressed that no concrete evidence supports such claims. The outlet did not specify which calls were disputed, but the timing of the allegations coincides with Argentina's late surge into the semifinals.

"vídeos e memes gerados por IA reforçando a narrativa de que os atuais campeões mundiais estão sendo ajudados dentro e fora de campo."

Folha de S.Paulo highlighted that AI-generated content has played a role in amplifying these narratives, blending satire and serious accusation in ways that make the theories harder to dismiss. As the semifinal approaches, the debate over whether Argentina's run is legitimate or engineered is likely to intensify, even as organizers and officials have not commented on the allegations.