Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has rejected claims that FIFA is favouring Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mikel made the remarks while appearing on The Rest Is Football podcast ahead of Argentina’s semi-final clash against England, where he joined former Chelsea teammate Joe Cole as part of the match analysis panel.

The discussion centred on suggestions that Argentina have benefited from a favourable route to the latter stages of the tournament and that FIFA would like to see Messi reach another World Cup final.

Cole claimed that “the whole world wants Messi in the final” and also suggested that Argentina could rely on their experience and “dark arts” to secure victory over England.

Mikel, however, strongly disagreed with the suggestion that Argentina have received preferential treatment from football’s governing body. The former Chelsea midfielder argued that Lionel Scaloni’s side earned their position by performing well during the group stage.

“If they won their games, which they should have done, they would not play tougher teams. Argentina did their job, they won their games, and they got into the easier group,” Mikel said.

He also dismissed accusations that FIFA has manipulated the tournament in Messi’s favour, insisting such claims are largely driven by supporters of Cristiano Ronaldo.

“So this is all Ronaldo fans. I don’t like that. FIFA are not favouring Messi,” he added.

Argentina booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals after another impressive run in North America and were aiming to reach a second consecutive final as they prepared to face England. The winners of that encounter were set to meet Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.