Anti-Messi, Argentina sentiment surges after World Cup final loss

A wave of anti-Messi and anti-Argentina sentiment has swept across social media and parts of Europe and Latin America in the wake of Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Reports indicate a rise in online abuse, xenophobic attacks, and accusations of racism directed at Argentines.

Argentines living or traveling abroad have recounted experiencing harassment since the final match. A businessman in Brazil, identified as Ignacio H., described being repeatedly provoked by a colleague with messages predicting Spain's victory, stating, "I'd never experienced anything like it." Another Argentine woman in Brazil considered filing a complaint after alleged harassment by colleagues, while others received abusive messages from former classmates and friends.

One widely circulated incident involved a video purportedly showing a man in an Argentina jersey being attacked at Madrid's Sol metro station. However, Spain's National Police could not confirm the incident or when it occurred, as no official complaint was filed. Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champions, reached the final after defeating England but were ultimately outclassed by Spain. The match saw Enzo Fernandez receive a red card, leaving Argentina to play with 10 men before Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in extra time.

“

It wasn’t a prediction; it was a form of provocation that I tried to avoid. I’d never experienced anything like it.

Throughout the tournament, Argentina faced widespread criticism and conspiracy theories alleging that FIFA officials favored them and their captain, Lionel Messi. This scrutiny intensified after the referee did not card Messi for a hard tackle in their opening match against Algeria. Following their win over Egypt, striker Mostafa Ziko claimed the tournament was "rigged" in Argentina's favor, a sentiment echoed by Egypt's head coach Hossam Hassan, who suggested the World Cup was prolonged for marketing purposes. FIFA's Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, denied these claims, defending the referees.

Adding to the controversy, Argentine players displayed a banner proclaiming "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas" (The Falklands Are Argentine) after their semi-final victory. This reignited the long-standing sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, drawing sharp condemnation from UK politicians and calls for player bans. FIFA confirmed it is investigating the matter but has not yet announced any sanctions.

“

They want Argentina and Messi to stay in the World Cup for marketing.