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Latin America unites to cheer against Argentina in FIFA World Cup final

From Al Jazeera · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Latin American nations are largely backing Spain over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final, a reversal of typical regional solidarity.
  • Memes and criticism suggest a sentiment that Argentina, and particularly its president Javier Milei, is disliked.
  • Critics claim Argentina receives favorable refereeing decisions, a narrative fueled by social media and national politics.

A notable shift in regional sentiment is evident as many Latin American countries are expressing support for Spain over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final. This contrasts sharply with the traditional tendency for nations in the region to rally behind fellow South American teams in the tournament's later stages.

The hope of the Brazilian people.

— Snarky caption on a photoshopped imageIllustrates the sentiment of some Brazilians supporting Spain over Argentina.

The widespread sentiment is amplified by viral memes and jokes, with one image showing Spain's Lamine Yamal wearing a Brazilian jersey captioned "The hope of the Brazilian people." This goes beyond the historical rivalry between Brazil and Argentina, with Mexico, Colombia, and Chile also reportedly hoping for an Argentine defeat. This phenomenon echoes a similar sentiment observed before Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory.

If Brazil could not become six-time champions, 'I would rather see Spain become two-time champions than Argentina become four-time champions.'

— Francisco SantosA Brazilian fan expresses his preference for Spain to win the World Cup over Argentina.

Sociologists suggest that the "dynamic of solidarity has been broken" with Argentina, partly due to the digital era and social networks fueling narratives of the team being favored by FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino. Francisco Santos, a Brazilian fan in Sao Paulo, stated, "If Brazil could not become six-time champions, 'I would rather see Spain become two-time champions than Argentina become four-time champions.'" Critics allege that Argentina benefits from favorable calls, such as penalties and cards against opponents, despite official backing for such decisions.

We’re going to cheer for Spain.

— Juan Camilo AbusaidA Colombian finance worker states his support for Spain in the World Cup final.

Political undertones also contribute to the resentment. "I really don’t like Javier Milei (Argentina’s president) at all!" exclaimed one fan, expressing discomfort with the idea of the president potentially boasting about a World Cup win. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum even jokingly asked journalists which team they supported, receiving a chorus of "Spain! Spain!" Professor Jorge Negroe, a specialist in the social studies of sport, described the World Cup as having become "very political." Additionally, Argentine fans and some players have faced accusations of racism, adding another layer to the complex regional dynamics surrounding the final.

If you’re going to sweat and break your back on the pitch to become champions twice, I accept that. If referees are going to help you, I don’t.

— Antonio LopezA Mexican police officer expresses his conditional support, questioning perceived referee bias towards Argentina.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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