Is it a lie? The reasons why Lionel Messi would be the most protected footballer in history

The figure of Lionel Messi has transcended the sporting field to become a recurring topic of debate in the world of football. In recent years, numerous accusations have emerged that point to a supposed special protection towards the Argentine star by football institutions. Below, we will analyze some of the evidence that fuels this controversy.

One of the most striking situations is FIFA's recent decision to invite Inter Miami, Messi's team, to participate in the Club World Cup. This invitation has generated great controversy, since the American team is not the MLS champion and has left out historic clubs such as Liverpool and Milan. This decision has been interpreted by many as obvious favoritism towards Messi and his new team.

Another fact that has fueled suspicions of protection towards Messi is the absence of expulsions in the Spanish League during the years in which Javier Negreira served as vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees. Despite numerous controversial actions by the Argentine, such as assaults, insults and protests, he never saw the red card. This situation has led many to question the impartiality of the referees in Messi's matches.

The frequency with which the Copa América have been organized in recent years has also been the subject of analysis. Between 2015 and 2024, five editions of this tournament were held, an unusually high number. In addition, the choice of Miami as the venue for the 2024 Copa América final, coinciding with Messi's arrival at Inter Miami, has raised suspicions about possible strategic planning to favor the Argentine player.

Finally, the case of the 2012 Ballon d'Or is another example of the alleged protections that Messi would have received. Despite not having won any major titles that year, the Argentine took home the most prestigious individual award in football. Several players, such as Thiago Silva, publicly admitted that they had not voted for Messi, but FIFA awarded him the award anyway.

It is important to note that the accusations of protection towards Messi are, for the most part, based on circumstantial evidence and the interpretation of facts. There is no conclusive evidence to prove that the Argentine player has received preferential treatment throughout his career. However, the sum of these facts has generated a climate of suspicion and has called into question the impartiality of football institutions.

The controversy surrounding Messi reflects a complex reality in the world of football, where economic and political interests often influence sporting decisions. It is essential that the institutions in charge of regulating football act with transparency and fairness to ensure that all players have the same opportunities.