Argentina’s Copa Victory Marred by Racist Celebration Song

A crowd of Argentina football fans celebrating in the stands, waving flags and banners, wearing Argentina jerseys.

Argentina’s thrilling 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final has been overshadowed by a growing controversy involving the national team’s celebration. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez is facing disciplinary action from Chelsea and an investigation by FIFA after posting a video on social media featuring the Argentine squad singing a song with alleged racist and discriminatory lyrics.

The video, which quickly went viral, shows several Argentina players celebrating their hard-fought victory with a song originating from the Qatar World Cup final. The lyrics, which question the heritage of France’s black and mixed-race players, have sparked outrage from the French Football Federation and prompted a broader international backlash.

Government Reaction and Internal Disputes

In an unexpected turn, the Argentine government has also weighed in on the controversy. Julio Garro, the under-secretary for sports, suggested that team captain Lionel Messi and Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia should issue a public apology. “It’s left us looking bad,” Garro remarked, emphasizing the need for accountability. However, Garro’s comments led to his dismissal, and there is a significant division within the government and public opinion regarding the necessity of an apology.

Javier Milei’s administration, known for its right-wing stance and lack of alignment with ‘woke’ culture, has shown mixed responses. While some officials back the need for an apology, others vehemently reject it, seeing no issue with the celebration.

Persistent Racism in Argentine Football

This incident is not an isolated one in Argentine football. There have been numerous instances of Argentine fans making racist gestures during matches against Brazilian teams in continental competitions. Often dismissed by perpetrators as ‘banter,’ this behavior reveals an underlying problem of racism that continues to plague the sport in Argentina.

The Role of Clubs and Players

Efforts by Argentine clubs to curb racist behavior have often been lackluster, usually referring to the problem as xenophobia rather than outright racism. The disappointment extends to the national players, who play in Europe and should be well-acquainted with multicultural and multiracial environments. Except for Lionel Messi and backup goalkeeper Franco Armani, the entire squad is based in Europe, making their actions even more perplexing.

Also Read: Argentina Wins Record 16th Copa America Title in Dramatic Final

Cultural and Historical Context

The controversial song and its implications go beyond football, touching on Argentina’s complex cultural and racial history. While it is rare to see a black Argentine today, this was not always the case. During the era of Spanish colonial rule, Buenos Aires was home to a significant black population, which has since dwindled due to various factors, including yellow fever outbreaks and European immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Despite this, African influences remain embedded in Argentine culture, particularly in the country’s most iconic music and dance form, the tango. This cultural blend underscores the irony and tragedy of the discriminatory lyrics sung by the players, as it insults not only their black teammates and fans but also their diverse heritage.