Lionel Messi warned his Argentina teammates to behave before a video showing Enzo Fernandez and others singing a chant that’s been described as racist and transphobic was filmed.<\/p>\n
Lionel Messi issued a stern notice to his Argentina teammates to conduct themselves properly after their Copa America final win against Colombia last Sunday.<\/p>\n
Controversy has erupted over a video showing Enzo Fernandez and other members of the Argentina squad singing a chant aimed at the France team that’s been described as racist and transphobic. The French Football Federation (FFF)\u00a0and many others have criticised those Argentina players for their actions.<\/p>\n
The chant, sung by Argentina fans during the 2022 World Cup, contains derogatory references to the French national team and its players of African heritage. It also contains the words “they like to sleep with trans people” – believed to be aimed at Kylian Mbappe and his alleged relationship with transgender model Ines Rau.<\/p>\n
Fernandez, a star midfielder for Chelsea in the Premier League, posted the video on Instagram after Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia. Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal in extra time. The post drew immediate criticism from his Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana, who reposted it with the caption: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.”<\/p>\n
Caught in the backlash, Fernandez issued an apology,\u00a0declaring his stance against prejudice and explaining that he was caught up in the excitement of the team’s Copa America festivities. Chelsea have released a statement\u00a0denouncing the incident and asserted “internal disciplinary proceedings”.<\/p>\n
Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has now shared insights into Messi’s leadership, saying the legendary forward had precautioned the team against taunting. “Leo didn’t let us sing songs to Brazil on the pitch because he knows how everything works. But in the hotel, in private, it’s a different story and he gets on top of the table,” De Paul said.<\/p>\n
But De Paul defended Fernandez and explained understanding people people who have experienced racism would be upset.<\/p>\n
However, any teammate of the Argentina midfielder should speak to him privately, avoiding taking the issue public on social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think there\u2019s malice in this; they\u2019re trying to make it something it\u2019s not. It\u2019s very strange, like kicking someone when they\u2019re down,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Unfollowing him seems pointless to me. You can call him and say, ‘This isn\u2019t okay, why don\u2019t you post a message apologising?’ – and the issue ends there.”<\/p>\n
The French Football Federation announced plans to file a legal complaint over the incident, calling it “unacceptable, racist, and discriminatory.” The ensuing controversy has sparked a more expansive discussion about racism in football and the obligation of players to encourage inclusivity and consideration.<\/p>\n
Amid the ordeal, Messi is now facing calls for an apology from the Argentine government itself. Sub-secretary Julio Garro urged Messi and the entire team to apologise, stating that their choice to sing the controversial chant has tarnished Argentina’s image.<\/p>\n
“The team’s actions have left Argentina in a bad position, despite so much glory,” Garro remarked.<\/p>\n
It was reported that Messi was not on the team bus where the chant began.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"