Latin America unites to cheer against Argentina in FIFA World Cup final
Traditionally supportive of regional teams, Latin Americans are rallying against Argentina in the final, with memes, jokes, and criticism flooding social media, hoping Spain wins.
While Latin Americans have traditionally rallied behind football teams from the region in the FIFA World Cup, a flood of memes, jokes and criticism has made it clear there is one exception: Argentina. In a viral photoshopped image, Lamine Yamal of Spain is shown wearing a Brazilian jersey with the caption: “The hope of the Brazilian people.”
The fervour goes beyond Brazil-Argentina rivalry: Mexico, Colombia, Chile and others are hoping Lionel Messi’s team loses. A similar phenomenon occurred before Argentina won their third title in Qatar in 2022.
Colombian sociologist German Gomez believes the “dynamic of solidarity … has been broken” with Argentina. He says social networks have fuelled narratives that the team is favored by FIFA and Gianni Infantino. “Argentina has had help from referees,” said Brazilian fan Francisco Santos in São Paulo. “I would rather see Spain become two-time champions than Argentina become four-time champions.”
Critics say Argentina benefited from favorable calls like penalties and cards against opponents, even when backed by officials. “We’re going to cheer for Spain,” said Juan Camilo Abusaid in Bogota.
In Mexico City, police officer Antonio Lopez called Messi a “legend,” but added: “If you’re going to sweat and break your back to become champion, I accept that. If referees are going to help you, I don’t.” At a press conference, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum asked journalists whom they supported; they replied “Spain!”
Anthropology professor Jorge Negroe noted this World Cup is “very political.” Gomez added that Maradona was seen as a revolutionary, while Messi is perceived as FIFA’s “golden boy.”
National politics also fuels resentment. “I really don’t like Javier Milei at all!” said Rachid Sjoberg in Santiago. “The idea that he would boast about winning the World Cup does not sit well with me.”
Argentina fans face racism accusations: a chant mocking French players, banana-throwing, and monkey gestures. FIFA condemned racism after a fan told a black influencer to “cry at the zoo.”
Messi himself said: “Let it hurt whoever it hurts.” A fernet brand launched an ad with the slogan “We are unbearable,” showing fans in therapy complaining about Argentina.
Still, some support Argentina. “I’m going to support Argentina because it’s a South American country,” said student Valentino Tocto in Lima.
