Lionel Messi's Argentina speech has caused a stir with numerous conspiracy theories emerging after the World Cup final14:53, 21 Jul 2026Updated 14:54, 21 Jul 2026Conspiracy theories over a potential issue distracting Argentina players in the World Cup final have been sparked after footage emerged of Lionel Messi's strange pre-match speech.‌Lionel Scaloni's side 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 bad and the latest of those has hinted at a significant problem just before the match started.‌Fresh footage from inside the tunnel has supported those claims and also provided more evidence of Scaloni stating that things happened before the final. As the Argentina players emerge from their dressing room, Messi has been captured stating: "Come on, boys, let's forget what happened, as if nothing had happened."‌Lisandro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez are among those in the background of the video appearing visibly upset. The latter was sent off in the final knockings of normal time while Martinez went off injured during the first half.The X account @arielipillo, which has 80,000 followers, has claimed that they 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.‌JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook pageCameras also caught comments from Messi and Emiliano Martinez as the players headed back out for the second half.Via Sport, Argentina's captain 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.‌In addition to the strange behaviour, some Argentina players disgraced themselves with their conduct after losing to Spain. Leandro Parades was involved in a brawl with Gavi and Eric Garcia while Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala appeared to throw punches.The former 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.Article continues below