Argentina’s Deputy Sports Minister, Julio Garro, has been dismissed following his call for Lionel Messi to apologize for a controversial song about France’s national team.
The French Football Federation accused Argentina’s footballers of using ‘racist and discriminatory language’ after a social media video went viral.
The clip, posted by Enzo Fernandez, resulted in disciplinary proceedings at Chelsea, with his teammate Wesley Fofana calling him out.
The song, originating from Argentina fans, questions the heritage of France’s black and mixed-race players and is considered offensive by many.
After the team was seen singing it, Garro urged Messi, the World Cup-winning captain and widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, to apologize.
Right-wing President Javier Milei of Argentina fired Garro just hours after his comments on the Argentine radio station Urbana Play.
The president’s statement read, “The Office of the President states that no government has the right to tell the Argentine national team, world champions and double Copa America champions, or any other citizen, what to comment, what to think and what to do. That is why Julio Garro ceases to be the under-secretary of sport.”
Garro felt the incident tarnished Argentina’s image following their Copa America victory and criticized the team’s celebrations.
“I think [Messi] should come out and offer the appropriate apologies, as should the Argentine Football Federation president [Claudio Tapia],” Garro stated on Urbana Play.
Meanwhile, Argentina and Chelsea star Fernandez has publicly apologized for posting the video.
“I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations,” said the midfielder. “The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words. I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”
