The fallout from the World Cup final continues, with Argentina’s president Javier Milei busy posting on social media amid a backlash against his country after defeat by Spain
Argentina president Javier Milei has suggested that others are jealous of his country after a petition calling for them to be banned from future World Cups attracted over 23 million signatures.
Argentina have been on the receiving end of a barrage of criticism following the shameful scenes after the final whistle in New Jersey. Spain overcame Lionel Messi and Co in extra time thanks to Ferran Torres’ strike, but their victory was overshadowed by what followed.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes kicked and punched as he shoved Eric Garcia to the ground and grappled with Gavi, while Nahuel Molina appeared to have instigated the altercation by throwing a punch at Rodri. FIFA are investigating the ugly scenes, which could prompt suspensions and fines.
Argentina have been widely criticised for their behaviour, which came at the end of a match in which they mustered just two shots, committed regular fouls and had Enzo Fernandez sent off. An online petition calling for them to be banned from all future World Cups has now racked up 23,316,108 signatures from around 170 countries.
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But the backlash has only served to create a siege mentality in the South American country, with a rival petition launched arguing the match should be replayed due to a “corrupt” referee.
Now right-wing leader Milei has amplified the feeling of injustice against his country through some posts on Instagram. The 55-year-old has shared a succession of posts which appear to defend the team.
“Do you have enemies? It means you once defended something. We defend Argentina,” one reads. Another says: “The problem with Argentina is that we are conspicuous, we don’t go unnoticed, people are jealous of us, and we are good at almost everything.”
Milei also shared an AI image of him ripping open his suit to reveal an Argentina shirt with the caption “Long live Argentina, damn it!”
The nationalist rhetoric follows the semi-final win over England, which sparked more controversy after Argentina’s players were shown celebrating with a banner which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, which translates as “The Falklands are Argentine”.
The feeling has been echoed by many of Lionel Scaloni’s squad, including arch villain Paredes, who refused to apologise for his behaviour after the final. “Thank you, Argentina! I love you today and always. Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves,” he wrote.
“But with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again! Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team.
“To this group of players who gave their all to represent this jersey, fighting for it until the very last second of every match! It was an honour to be part of the best Argentine national team in history.”
Paredes managed to avoid a red card for his actions, but along with team-mates Molina and Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala, could face disciplinary proceedings from FIFA.
World football’s governing body has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess what happened after the final whistle at MetLife stadium. Those involved are facing suspensions, while the Argentine Football Association (AFA) can expect a hefty fine for failing to control players and staff.
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