Journalist Ishaan Tharoor on Argentina Column Backlash: 'I Never Wanted to Hurt Anyone'

American journalist Ishaan Tharoor, now writing for The New Yorker after a stint at The Washington Post, found himself at the center of an unexpected storm after publishing a personal column about Argentine football.

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frankly, I was unaware of the insecurities and fragile pride I might be touching with that column

His piece, "I Won't Cry For You, Argentina," written before the World Cup final, expressed a shift in his long-held admiration for Argentine soccer. The column quickly ignited a strong backlash from Argentine fans on social media, who perceived it as part of a broader international sentiment against their country.

In an interview with La Nación, Tharoor expressed surprise at the column's impact. He clarified that his intention was not to criticize Argentines but rather to reflect on his personal experience and what the Argentine national team has represented to many. "I believed I was participating in a debate about the Argentine national team that took place in a separate sphere from the general debate about Argentina and Argentines. I was wrong, and frankly, I was unaware of the insecurities and fragile pride I might be touching with that column," he stated.

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I never wanted to hurt anyone's feelings

Tharoor, who was a childhood admirer of the team led by Diego Maradona, also addressed claims of an organized campaign against Argentina. While acknowledging a "lot of anti-Argentine sentiment," he personally does not believe there was a coordinated effort. He concluded by offering a gesture to Argentine fans in footballing terms, signaling a desire to move past the controversy.

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I believe there was a lot of anti-Argentine sentiment