Argentina sacks sports undersecretary for asking Lionel Messi to apologise in racist chant controversy
Argentina’s Undersecretary for Sports, Julio Garro, was sacked on Thursday following his demand for an apology from football star Lionel Messi and Argentine Football Federation president Claudio Fabian Tapia. The controversy erupted after a video from Enzo Fernandez’s live stream went viral, showing the Argentinian football team celebrating their Copa America win with chants mocking French players and their African heritage.
The offensive lyrics in the song referenced the African origins of French players, stating, “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.” Garro insisted on a public apology from Messi and Tapia, arguing the video damaged Argentina’s reputation.
Garro told radio station Urbana Play, “I think [Messi] should come out and offer the appropriate apologies, as should the Argentine Football Federation president [Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia].” His comments sparked immediate backlash, leading to his dismissal by President Javier Milei’s office. The President’s office declared on X, “No government can tell what to comment, what to think or what to do to the Argentine National Team, World Champion and Two-time American Champion, or to any other citizen. For this reason, Julio Garro ceases to be Undersecretary of Sports of the Nation.”
In response, FIFA launched an investigation into the racist chants. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed, “FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into. FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans, and officials.” Additionally, Chelsea, Fernandez’s club, announced an internal disciplinary procedure against the midfielder. Fernandez later issued an apology, condemning the offensive language and expressing regret for his involvement.
The French Football Federation (FFF) lodged a formal complaint to FIFA regarding the chants, escalating the issue further.
