The Argentine Football Association has released a video rejecting what it calls an “anti-Argentina campaign”, arguing that the criticism did not prevent the team from reaching the 2026 World Cup final.
The video, released a month after Argentina's defeat by Spain, has reignited debate over how the reigning champions were portrayed during the tournament.
Argentina Hit Back at Alleged 'Anti-Argentina Campaign'
The video opens by looking back at Argentina's run to the final before turning its attention to the team's critics.
“A month ago something happened. What many people didn't want to happen, happened: Argentina played in another final,” the message says.
The video presents the semi-final win over England as a defining moment in Argentina's run.
“What happened was that we came back in every match along the way, and we made history by knocking England out in a semi-final,” the video states.
The AFA then addresses its claim of an “anti-Argentina campaign” directly.
“No matter how much of an anti-Argentina campaign there was, we got there anyway.”
The video ends with Lionel Messi in tears after the final whistle in New Jersey.
“Our captain's tears taught us once again that you can win, but what you can never do, no matter what happens, is stop trying,” it says.
Why Argentina Revived the 'Anti-Argentina Campaign' Claim
The AFA names no individual, outlet, or specific claim behind the alleged campaign. The video makes the claim without providing supporting evidence or specific examples.
The video follows earlier reports that the AFA was considering legal action over alleged misinformation targeting the team during the tournament.
A La Nacion report said an Argentine analyst studied roughly 40,000 social media posts mentioning the national team, Messi or the federation between June and July to examine how hostile narratives spread during the competition.
That legal threat has not been confirmed through an official AFA statement. FIFA, the Spanish federation and England's FA have not commented on the campaign claim.
Argentina's route to the final included a 2-1 semi-final win over England in Atlanta. Anthony Gordon put England ahead in the 55th minute before Enzo Fernandez equalised with a Messi assist in the 85th.
Lautaro Martinez then headed home a stoppage-time winner from Messi's second assist of the match to send Argentina through. They finished the game with 15 shots to England's five. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 106th minute, finishing a header from substitute Nico Williams.
Argentina played extra time with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time at the end of normal time.
Spain finished with 20 shots to Argentina's two, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made 12 saves, a record in a men's World Cup final, but could not prevent Spain from winning their second World Cup title.
The result ended Argentina's bid to become the first team to win consecutive men's World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
What Next for Lionel Messi and Argentina?
Messi, 39 during the tournament, finished with eight goals and four assists. He briefly drew level with Kylian Mbappe at the top of the scoring charts before Mbappe finished the tournament ahead with 22 goals.
Although Messi has raised the possibility of retirement, he has yet to formally announce his decision.
AFA president Claudio Tapia said the decision about when Messi steps away from international football belongs to the player alone.
"It's a decision that is purely and personally his," Tapia said. "You have to let him keep enjoying playing football, and after that he'll make the decision he feels is the right one."
Teammate Leandro Paredes said he hoped Messi would continue. Former Argentina international Angel Di Maria urged him not to base the decision on age.
Argentine media reports suggest the federation is considering a farewell match for Messi, though no date, opponent, or venue has been confirmed.
