Footage of Lionel Messi's pre-match speech to his Argentina teammates before the World Cup final has sparked conspiracy theories about a potential issue that may have distracted the team.
Argentina failed to lay a glove on Spain at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, and though they defended valiantly, the 2022 champions did not muster a shot until the second half of extra-time. A number of theories have emerged over why their performance was so poor, with the latest hinting at a significant problem just before the match started.
Messi's words in the tunnel
Fresh footage from inside the tunnel has supported those claims and provided more evidence of coach Lionel Scaloni stating that things happened before the final. As the Argentina players emerged from their dressing room, Messi was captured stating: "Come on, boys, let's forget what happened, as if nothing had happened."
Lisandro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez were among those in the background of the video appearing visibly upset. Fernandez was sent off in the final knockings of normal time, while Martinez went off injured during the first half.
Anti-doping test claims
The X account @arielipillo, which has 80,000 followers, claimed that the players were emotional and distracted because of unannounced anti-doping tests moments before the game started. However, that post has been hit with a community note which clarifies that FIFA anti-doping controls are carried out after matches and not before.
Cameras also caught comments from Messi and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as the players headed back out for the second half. Messi said: "Come on, lads. Personality, people, personality. We've always had it, so why wouldn't we have it now? We have the personality to play." Martinez added: "With heart, lads. Let's move forward, not backward... Only cowards play backward."
Post-match conduct
In addition to the strange behaviour, some Argentina players disgraced themselves with their conduct after losing to Spain. Leandro Paredes was involved in a brawl with Gavi and Eric Garcia, while Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala appeared to throw punches.
Paredes was among many to release statements following defeat in the final, with Messi's public declaration particularly heartfelt. He wrote: "The pain is immense, it will take time for this wound to heal. But I also choose to hold on to all the good things, all matches we turned around by giving everything and moments that will remain in our memories forever."
"I will always remember the support of an entire country that, together with the work and effort of this group, brought us back once again among the best teams in the world. I also want to congratulate Spain on winning World Cup."
"Today, it is difficult to appreciate what we achieved… but this group has really reached two consecutive World Cup finals. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message. Once again, we managed to come together as a country and stand united, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine."
