BUENOS AIRES – Argentine singer and actress Lali Espósito publicly rebuked what she called “low-grade and lacking in insight” journalism after a fabricated social media post attributed to her criticizing Lionel Messi’s recent appearance with Donald Trump went viral. The incident underscores the challenges of misinformation in the digital age, even involving high-profile figures like Messi and Espósito.
The false post, circulating earlier this week, allegedly showed Espósito expressing disapproval of Messi’s attendance at an event with the former U.S. President at the Inter Miami soccer team’s visit to the White House. The fabricated message read, in part, “I’ve supported you through thick and thin, through titles and failures. I woke up early to watch Barcelona, I fought with everyone when your attitude was questioned. No matter what happens, you will always be my idol, but I can’t support this.” The post quickly gained traction, sparking outrage from some fans who perceived it as a betrayal of Messi.
However, Espósito swiftly and decisively debunked the claim on her X (formerly Twitter) account. Rather than simply denying the post, she took a pointed approach, modifying a Wikipedia page to highlight the fundamental responsibility of journalists to verify information before publication. “The information is the primary input for those who practice journalism. Manuals indicate that, before asserting a news item, the journalist must corroborate that it is true. It’s not that difficult, although many struggle or are not interested in doing so,” she wrote, according to reports from Clarín and Pronto.
Espósito didn’t stop there. She continued her critique, stating, “The more low-grade and lacking in insight the journalist is, the less they appeal to this age-old practice.” She then playfully suggested listeners check out her album “No vayas a atender cuando el demonio llama,” specifically the track “Fanático,” which she implied touches on the themes of misinformation and public perception.
— Lali (@lalioficial) March 7, 2026
The incident began following Messi and the Inter Miami team’s visit to Washington D.C. On March 5, 2026, where they met with President Trump after winning the Leagues Cup. The visit drew criticism from some quarters, given Trump’s controversial political standing and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The fabricated post exploited this existing tension, falsely positioning Espósito as critical of Messi’s decision to attend the event. According to Chequeado, the original false post was actually published by sports journalist Martín Etcheverry.
The swift backlash against Espósito before her clarification demonstrates the speed at which misinformation can spread online. Fans quickly took to social media to defend Messi, expressing disappointment in the singer. This highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing it, a lesson Espósito herself emphasized in her response.
This isn’t the first time Messi’s political affiliations, or perceived lack thereof, have been scrutinized. His decision not to participate in a celebratory event at the Casa Rosada (Argentina’s presidential palace) following the 2022 World Cup victory similarly sparked debate, with some interpreting it as a snub to the current Argentine government. However, Messi has largely remained neutral in political matters, focusing instead on his performance on the field.
Espósito’s response serves as a potent reminder for both journalists and the public to exercise caution and critical thinking when consuming information online. In an era of readily available, but often unverified, content, the require for responsible reporting and media literacy is more crucial than ever. The incident also underscores the power of social media to amplify both truth and falsehoods, and the importance of public figures using their platforms to combat misinformation.
Looking ahead, Messi and Inter Miami will continue their MLS season, with their next match scheduled for March 16th against Charlotte FC. The focus will undoubtedly return to the pitch, but the fallout from this incident serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of sports, politics, and the digital landscape.
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