Latin America unites to cheer against Argentina in FIFA World Cup final
As Argentina prepares to face Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, a wave of memes, jokes, and criticism across Latin America has made it clear that the region's traditional solidarity with its football teams has an exception: Argentina. While Latin Americans have historically rallied behind teams from the region that advance deep into the tournament, a flood of online mockery and negative sentiment is now directed at Lionel Messi's Albiceleste.
Coverage comparison
Two news outlets, Al Jazeera and the Buenos Aires Times, have reported extensively on this phenomenon. Both outlets highlight that the anti-Argentina sentiment goes beyond the historic rivalry between Brazil and Argentina, with fans in Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and others hoping for an Argentine defeat in the final. The coverage notes that a similar phenomenon occurred before Argentina won its third World Cup title in 2022, indicating a recurring pattern.
The reports also agree on the role of social media and the digital era in amplifying these narratives. Colombian sociologist Germán Gómez, quoted by both outlets, said the "dynamic of solidarity ... has been broken" with Argentina. He attributed the shift to digital-era narratives that portray Argentina as a darling of FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino.
Key claims
The sentiment is illustrated by several anecdotes and quotes. A viral photoshopped image shows Lamine Yamal, who stars for Argentina's final opponents Spain, wearing a Brazilian jersey, with the caption "The hope of the Brazilian people." This image underscores the degree of cross-regional support for Spain against Argentina.
Brazilian fan Francisco Santos, 42, trading World Cup stickers in São Paulo, said: "Argentina has had help from referees." He expressed a preference for Spain winning the title over Argentina, stating, "I would rather see Spain become two-time champions than Argentina become four-time champions." Cheers reportedly rang out in São Paulo when England scored first against Argentina in the semi-final.
Critics cited in both reports say Argentina has received more favorable calls, such as penalties and yellow or red cards against opponents, even when such decisions have been backed by FIFA and experts. This perception of favorable treatment is a recurring theme in the criticism.
In Bogotá, 28-year-old finance worker Juan Camilo Abusaid said, "We're going to cheer for Spain." Similarly, Antonio López, a 51-year-old police officer in Mexico City, described Messi as a "legend" but added: "If you're going to sweat and break your back on the pitch to become champions twice, I accept that. If referees are going to help you, I don't."
Perspectives
Fans and experts across the region express a clear anti-Argentina stance, driven by perceptions of unfair advantages and broader political resentments. Argentine fans and some players have also faced accusations of racism, as reported by both outlets, adding another layer to the tensions. The sentiment appears to be a mix of football rivalry, social-media-fueled narratives, and political undercurrents that have turned what would typically be regional solidarity into opposition.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum jokingly commented on the situation at a media conference, according to the reports, although the full context of her remarks is not provided. The reports suggest that national politics has created resentment against Argentina, further complicating the football narrative.
As the final approaches, the region's collective hope appears to be for a Spanish victory, a sentiment rooted in a mix of on-field grievances and off-field politics. Whether Argentina can overcome this regional opposition remains to be seen, but the phenomenon highlights the deep emotions football can evoke beyond the pitch.