Social media critic Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has placed a public bet with his lawyer Deji Adeyanju over whether Lionel Messi and Argentina will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The wager, announced on VDM’s Instagram Story on Friday, July 17, 2026, involves a sum of N20 million, and has drawn widespread reactions from football fans online.
VDM’s Bold Stance Against Messi’s World Cup Victory
In his Instagram post, VeryDarkMan made his position unequivocally clear: he does not believe Messi will lift the World Cup trophy when the tournament concludes. He offered to pay Adeyanju N20 million if Argentina wins, while Adeyanju would owe him the same amount if Argentina loses. VDM wrote: “@adeyanjudeji stop calling me about Lionel Messi, HE WILL NOT LIFT THE WORLD CUP, if he does I will give you N20 million naira and if he doesn't you will give me 20million naira (DONT CALL MY PHONE AGAIN UNTIL AFTER THE FINAL PLEASEEEEE).”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to conclude on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with Argentina facing Spain in the final match. The bet comes as tensions rise ahead of the decisive game.
Deji Adeyanju’s Counter Offer
Responding to the bet, Deji Adeyanju took to his Facebook page to propose an alternative wager. He wrote: “VDM, I will not do that kind of bet with you. If you want us to bet over Argentina, you will have to agree to delete your instagram and facebook accounts if my goat lifts the WC and I agree to send you N20m if we lose the game.” Adeyanju’s counteroffer added a layer of personal stakes to the public challenge.
Reactions from Football Lovers
The bet has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with many fans weighing in on Messi’s legacy and Argentina’s chances. Godwyn Bassey commented: “Cup whey Spain don collect.” Ulau Nora Matonson remarked: “We don't have a problem with him not lifting the world cup. .....all we want is for you people to agree that the guy is good.” Offor Nnamdi Paul offered a skeptical view: “If Messi lift it now he will say that he intentionally said it he knows Messi will lift the world cup then he will find Maggi and salt to spice it and his followers will believe him.... nobody get scope pass this guy he knows how to dribble his followers eh... chaii umu bizagon , screenshot this comment and keep.”
Fémi Àgbongbòn Gbonsquare reacted: “Ratel money about to go down...10milla!!!” Man Maxify predicted: “History will repeat itself and many will.” Tere Zarr simply stated: “We don’t care if he wins. He’s the GOAT.”
VDM’s Royal Gesture Catches Attention
In related news, Legit.ng previously reported that another memorable moment from VDM’s recent visit to the Oluwo palace was when he prostrated before the monarch in line with Yoruba cultural tradition. Earlier videos captured him arriving at the palace alongside coordinators of his Ratel movement from the Southwest. The Oluwo, dressed in full traditional regalia, welcomed the activist warmly as guests watched and recorded the ceremony, making the royal visit one of the most talked-about moments online.
