CGT's 'political' message after World Cup win: 'Let's protect Argentine jobs'

Amidst the euphoria of the Argentine national team's decisive 3-0 victory in their 2026 World Cup qualifier, the CGT union released a striking video message. The spot calls on Argentines to "take care of Argentine work and national industry," a plea that comes as the government's labor reform regulations face increasing opposition.

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This jersey is old. So old it saw (Diego) Maradona lift a World Cup. Survived moves, hand washes. However, here it is: it hasn't broken or faded. This jersey is Argentine and was made here: someone cut the fabric, there was a seamstress, a literal operator. Someone aligned the stripes, sewed the shield. Before that person there were others: they made the thread, dyed the cotton, and designed the mold.

The video, shared by CGT co-general secretary Jorge Sola, uses the metaphor of an old, well-worn Argentine jersey. "This jersey is old. So old it saw (Diego) Maradona lift a World Cup," the narration begins, emphasizing its durability and the many hands involved in its creation – from the thread makers to the seamstresses. It highlights how this jersey "gave employment, sustained workshops, and moved national industry."

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This jersey gave employment, sustained workshops, and moved the national industry. The jerseys still exist, but many are no longer made here. They arrive from abroad, come in containers. The crest is the same, the price sometimes lower; what is not in all of them is Argentine work.

However, the message pivots to a somber reality: "The jerseys still exist, but many are no longer made here. They arrive from abroad, come in containers." The union laments that while the crest and price may be similar, the "Argentine work" is often missing. The spot urges citizens to defend this labor with the same fervor they show for the national team, led by Lionel Messi.

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We should defend that work with the same strength with which we defend the sky-blue and white of Messi.

Concluding with images of jubilant fans and tango music, the CGT's video implores, "Let's take care of what's ours. We still have time. Let's take care of Argentine work." The union expresses a hope that future victories will be celebrated while wearing "a 100 percent Argentine industry jersey."

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Hopefully, along with the glories of the National Team, we can shout goals again wearing a 100 percent Argentine industry jersey.