Kempes urges fans not to believe baseless rumours about Argentina

Former Argentina striker Mario Alberto Kempes has urged fans to reject conspiracy theories that have circulated on social media following Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

According to Marca, the 1978 World Cup winner said criticism of the team's performance was fair but warned against believing unsubstantiated claims.

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"I want to tell you something brief. You know what it meant to me to put on the Argentina jersey: there is nothing greater that can happen to a player than representing their country. And I had that fortune," Kempes said in a video posted on his social media.

"I'm not going to lie to you, it wasn't the match we all expected. It was noticeable that the team was not at the level of the previous three. And that happens in football. There are better and worse days."

Kempes stressed there was "a huge difference" between a below-par display and the allegations being spread online.

"A team that lowers its level in a match is not the same as one that doesn't compete. Those versions that are going around out there without any proof don't do anyone any good," he said.

The former Valencia, Hercules, Rosario Central and River Plate forward called on supporters to judge the team fairly while standing behind the national side.

"So I ask you that, if we want to be demanding with the team, let's do so as we should, but let's not give credence to anything that circulates without basis. This jersey is respected in good times and bad, so let's go Argentina forever," Kempes said.