Last weekend, Argentina’s gifted generation of footballers, led by Lionel Messi, reinforced their superiority by defeating Colombia in a draining Copa America final. However, the triumph was stained by the distasteful celebration that followed. On the way back from the stadium, in the team bus, Argentina’s world and continental champions sang a song steeped in racism. “They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But their passport says French.” It was the ugly noise of a team adored for sweet symphonies.
When the country’s under-secretary for sports, Julio Garro, said captain Messi — who wasn’t seen singing — should apologise, he was sacked. And although Enzo Fernandez and some other players have expressed regret, the Argentines have rejected the need for an apology from their heroes: The song was made popular by a group of fans before the 2022 World Cup final, where Argentina beat France. Players from Brazil, who visit Argentina for club competitions, have spoken about fans making monkey gestures.
Racism in football isn’t new. But it was especially jarring that it wasn’t fans targeting players, but the players themselves insulting their counterparts. Every player in the Argentina squad, except the reserve goalkeeper, has played in Europe’s multi-racial club teams but they seem to have imbibed little from these experiences. With their go-to hate song, these footballers have done a disservice to football. With the fervent following they enjoy at home where football is an escape from harsh economic realities, the popular team has set a poor example by amplifying a hateful racist mal-verse in their moment of glory. Of course, Messi could still send across a clear anti-racism message that will endure longer than the hurtful victory celebrations.
