Milei joins Argentina team controversy: 'They are jealous of us'

President Javier Milei has waded into the international controversy surrounding the Argentine national soccer team at the 2026 World Cup. He used social media to defend the team, suggesting that criticism stems from "jealousy." Milei posted messages on Instagram stating, "Do you have enemies? It means you defended something at some point. We defend Argentina." He also claimed, "The problem with Argentina is that we are striking, we do not go unnoticed, they are jealous of us and we are good at almost everything."

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Do you have enemies? It means you defended something at some point. We defend Argentina.

Milei continued his defense on Thursday, sharing posts that proclaimed, "Now the world will see where a country full of Argentines can go." He also shared an AI-generated image of himself opening his shirt to reveal an Argentine team uniform with the message 'Long live Argentina, damn it!' The president and his cabinet had actively supported the team throughout the tournament, which reached the final against Spain after several dramatic comebacks.

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The problem with Argentina is that we are striking, we do not go unnoticed, they are jealous of us and we are good at almost everything.

Supporters of Milei's political movement also attempted to frame opposition parties as "hating" Messi, sharing related posts on X and Instagram. This coincided with social media trends criticizing various aspects of Argentina, including alleged referee assistance, support from Israeli government figures, and accusations of racism. The controversy escalated when Spanish singer Rosalía shared a critical post about Argentina after the World Cup final. Although she later apologized, a planned concert in her honor in Córdoba was canceled following "numerous messages of hate and anger."

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Now the world will see where a country full of Argentines can go.

Presidential spokesperson Adrián Ravier addressed the negative comments, calling it a "social media phenomenon that has had a lot of impact." He stated that Milei's comments about Argentines' capabilities were related to implementing an economic program that improves the country's situation. Ravier acknowledged criticisms regarding the team and how Argentines approached the World Cup but also noted praise from Spain's World Cup-winning coach for Lionel Scaloni. "So, there are negative positive expressions," he observed, suggesting a mixed reaction to the team's performance and national pride.

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Long live Argentina, damn it!