Argentina’s Celebration Clouded by Allegations of Racism: Messi’s Involvement Questioned

The recent celebration of Argentina’s victory in the 2024 Copa America has been clouded by allegations of racism against the national team. A video posted on midfielder Enzo Fernandez’s Instagram showed the team singing a derogatory song, sparking outrage and scrutiny.

Questions have been raised about the involvement of team captain Lionel Messi in the incident, as he was not seen in the video. However, teammate Rodrigo De Paul revealed that Messi had actually instructed the team not to taunt their opponents after their victory in the final.

The video, which has since gone viral on social media, features Argentina players making racially insensitive comments about French players. The France Football Association (FFF) has expressed their outrage and announced plans to file an official complaint over the remarks.

Fernandez’s clubmate at Chelsea, Wesley Fofana, condemned the video as “uninhibited racism,” while Fernandez’s father defended his son, stating that he is not a racist and that the incident was a result of cultural differences in football chants.

The controversy has reignited discussions about racism in football and the need for greater awareness and education on the issue. It remains to be seen how FIFA and the Argentina Football Association will respond to the allegations and what actions will be taken to address the situation.