The New Yorker column on Argentina's World Cup 'villainy' sparks online outrage

A column in The New Yorker has ignited a firestorm of criticism from Argentinians on social media. International affairs columnist Ishaan Tharoor detailed his disillusionment with the Argentine national team during the recent World Cup, labeling them the tournament's "villain."

Tharoor, who identified himself as a longtime admirer of the team and its country, accused the "Albiceleste" of being favored by questionable refereeing decisions. This framing has drawn significant backlash from Argentinians who perceive the journalist as portraying their nation as the "establishment" in football.

The columnist reminisced about his childhood in India, where he first fell in love with Argentine football and its star, Diego Maradona, watching the 1990 World Cup. He recalled crying inconsolably after Argentina's opening match loss to Cameroon that year. For decades, he felt a mix of pain and devotion for a country he didn't belong to, as India had never qualified for the tournament, and Argentina filled that void.

He described Argentina's style as a blend of "talent, toughness, and a dose of chaos," admiring the "elegant arrogance" of its forwards, including Lionel Messi. However, Tharoor sharply contrasted this past admiration with his current view, stating, "I no longer count myself among them." He accused the team of "bullying their way" through the tournament, breaking hearts with late goals and benefiting from questionable calls against Egypt and Switzerland, fueling online theories of a conspiracy to get Messi to the final.

Argentinians online have pointed to the journalist's perceived bias, accusing him of targeting the country and its team. The article highlights a stark division between Tharoor's critical perspective and the passionate, often defensive, reaction from Argentine fans.