Published July 18, 2026
Latin Americans have traditionally rooted for the region’s soccer teams to reach the FIFA World Cup, but a flood of memes, jokes and criticism has revealed Argentina to be an exception.
In one photoshopped image that went viral, Lamine Yamal, a player from Argentina’s opponent Spain in the final, is seen wearing a Brazil jersey. Sneaky caption? “This is the hope of the Brazilian people.”
The enthusiasm goes beyond the historic rivalry between Pele’s Brazil and Diego Maradona’s Argentina. Mexico, Colombia and Chile are all hoping Lionel Messi’s Albiceleste can win on Sunday.
A similar phenomenon occurred before Argentina won its third World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
Colombian sociologist German Gómez believes that “the dynamics of solidarity… has been broken” with Argentina.
He said the digital age and social networks were accelerating the “narrative” that the team was the darling of FIFA and soccer’s world governing body president Gianni Infantino.
“Argentina had the help of the referee,” said Francisco Santos, a Brazilian fan exchanging World Cup stickers at a Sao Paulo shopping center. There were cheers when England took the lead against Argentina in the semi-finals.
Even if Brazil don’t become six-time champions, the 42-year-old said, “I’d rather Spain be two-time champions than Argentina be four-time champions.”
Critics say Argentina received more favorable decisions against their opponents, including penalties and yellow and red cards, even though such decisions were supported by FIFA and experts.
“We’re going to support Spain,” said Juan Camilo Abside, a 28-year-old financial worker from Colombia’s capital Bogotá.
“Very political”
Mexico City police officer Antonio López, 51, described Messi as a “legend.”
But he added: “If you’re going to sweat on the pitch and break your back to become champions, I’ll accept it. If the referee is going to help you, I won’t accept it.”
At a press conference, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum jokingly asked reporters which team they would root for in the final.
“Spain! Spain!” they answered.
“This World Cup has turned out to be very political,” said Mexican anthropology professor Jorge Negroe, an expert in the sociology of sport.
Colombian sociologist Gomez added that while Maradona was seen as a revolutionary who stood up to FIFA’s power, the current narrative recognizes Messi as FIFA’s “golden boy”.
National politics also breeds resentment.
“I don’t like Javier Millay at all!” said Rachid Shoberg, 29, an agricultural research institute operator in Santiago.
“The idea that if they win he’ll brag about winning the World Cup doesn’t make sense to me.”
Argentina’s fans and some players have also faced accusations of racism. For example, chants the team has sung in the past have mocked black players on the French team as not being truly French.
There is also a long history of club-level fans throwing bananas on the field and making monkey-like gestures at Brazilian fans and black players.
During this World Cup, FIFA condemned racism in a statement after an Argentina supporter told a black American influencer known as IShowSpeed to “cry in the zoo” during a live broadcast.
“We can’t stand it”
Messi himself admits that he feels strongly about his team’s wins and losses.
“Four years ago we achieved what we wanted, which was to qualify for the final and achieve our best result for four years. We once again proved that no one gives us anything for free and finished in the top two again,” he said.
“Hurt whoever you want to hurt.”
The Fernet brand, an extremely popular alcoholic drink in Argentina, has humorously tapped into anti-Argentine sentiment.
Under the slogan “We can’t stand it”, they launched an ad showing fans of different teams sitting in a therapy circle and complaining about their unbridled passion for Argentine football.
While many in Latin America are rooting for the game against Argentina, the team has received an enthusiastic response at its training camp in the United States, with fans chanting “Messi! Messi!”
However, some people still value community solidarity.
“Argentina is a South American country, so I’m going to support them,” said Valentino Tocto, a 20-year-old student from Lima.
