Argentina fires sports undersecretary for demanding Messi’s apology in racism controversy

A video shared by Argentina star midfielder Enzo Fernandez on his Instagram account caused public outrage after he and his teammates chanted racist and discriminatory remarks aimed directly at the players of France national football team on the bus to the airport after their Copa America win on July 15.

Although Messi was reportedly not on the bus at the time of the incident, Garro, who was appointed Argentina’s sports undersecretary this year, demanded an apology from him and Argentine Football Association (AFA) Claudio Tapia.

“The national team captain must also come out to apologize for this case. The same [goes for] AFA president. I think it is appropriate. It leaves us as a country in a bad position, with so much glory,” Garro said.

After Garro’s statements, Argentina President Javier Millei’s Office stated on X: “No government can tell what to comment, what to think or what to do to the Argentina national team, world champion and two-time Copa America winner, or to any other citizen. For this reason, Julio Garro ceases to be the nation’s sports undersecretary.”

Garro then apologized for his statement and said that “offending anyone was never my intention, and that is why I have offered my resignation, although I will always be on the other side of discrimination in all its forms.”

Argentina Vice President Victoria Villarruel also spoke out on social media, defending Fernandez and his teammates.

“We have never imposed our lifestyle on anyone and will not allow anyone to do that to us,” she wrote. “No country can threaten us with a song that only talks about the truth that they refuse to admit. Enough of pretending to be angry, you hypocrites. Enzo, I support you. Messi, thank you for everything.”

Argentina Olympic team coach Javier Mascherano also supported Fernandez, saying that racism is not present in Argentina. “We have to understand each country’s culture,” Mascherano said. “Sometimes a joke can be misunderstood. I know Enzo is a good guy.”

Fernandez and several other Argentina players are being investigated by Chelsea and FIFA because of the chant, which stated: “They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But their passport says French.”

The French Football Federation condemned the remarks and has filed a complaint to FIFA.

Fernandez was unfollowed on social networks by three French players of Chelsea – Axel Disasi, Wesley Fofana and Malo Gusto. He later apologized and said “there are no words to justify his action.”