Fallout Grows Over Enzo Fernández’s and Argentina’s Racist Chant Targeting France

The controversy surrounding Enzo Fernández and the Argentina national team has escalated, leading to significant repercussions. The incident involved a racist chant that surfaced from a video shared on Instagram after Argentina’s Copa América victory. The fallout has been severe, including the dismissal of Julio Garro, Argentina’s undersecretary of sport. Garro had suggested that Lionel Messi and the president of the Argentinian Football Association (AFA), Claudio Tapia, should issue apologies, which led to his removal by President Javier Milei.

Garro later denied requesting apologies from Messi and expressed regret for any offense caused by his comments. In response, Chelsea has initiated an internal review, and the French Football Federation has lodged a legal complaint. Victoria Villarruel, Argentina’s vice-president, defended Fernández and criticized the reaction from critics, accusing them of hypocrisy.

Hugo Lloris, former captain of the French national team, condemned the chant, arguing that such behavior is unacceptable regardless of the circumstances and that winners have a greater responsibility to set a positive example. He stressed that the chant was a direct attack on the French people, particularly those with African heritage.

Demba Ba, a former Chelsea striker, highlighted the historical context of the controversy by quoting a French outlet about Argentina's past, suggesting a deeper, troubling historical connection.