Argentina: Latin America Divided as Fans Rally Behind Spain in World Cup Final
Historic regional support fades as football rivalries, political tensions and refereeing controversies fuel opposition to Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Argentina supporters cheer ahead of the World Cup final against Spain.
Latin America’s relationship with Argentina has taken a different turn ahead of the World Cup final, with many football fans across the region openly supporting Spain instead of their South American neighbours.
Social media platforms have filled with memes, jokes and criticism targeting Lionel Messi’s team. One widely shared edited image showed Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal wearing a Brazil jersey with the caption, “The hope of the Brazilian people,” reflecting the widespread desire to see Argentina lose the final.
The shift extends well beyond Argentina’s traditional football rivalry with Brazil. Fans in Mexico, Colombia, Chile and several other Latin American countries have also expressed support for Spain, repeating a trend that emerged before Argentina lifted its third World Cup title in 2022.
Colombian sociologist German Gomez said regional football solidarity has weakened in the digital age. He argued that social media has strengthened narratives claiming Argentina enjoys favourable treatment from FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino.
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Brazilian football fan Francisco Santos echoed those concerns while trading World Cup stickers in Sao Paulo. He claimed Argentina had benefited from refereeing decisions throughout the tournament and said he would rather see Spain win a second World Cup title than watch Argentina secure a fourth.
Critics have frequently questioned refereeing decisions involving penalties and disciplinary cards during Argentina’s matches. However, FIFA and several football analysts have defended many of those decisions.
In Colombia, finance worker Juan Camilo Abusaid said he would support Spain in the final, while in Mexico City, police officer Antonio Lopez described Messi as a football legend but insisted that championships should be earned without any perception of refereeing assistance.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum also joined the discussion during a press conference when journalists responded “Spain” after she jokingly asked which team they were backing.
Sports anthropologist Jorge Negroe said the tournament has become deeply political. Gomez added that while Diego Maradona was often viewed as a figure who challenged FIFA, many now see Messi as the governing body’s preferred star.
Political disagreements have also shaped public opinion. In Chile, some fans said they opposed Argentina because they did not want President Javier Milei to celebrate another World Cup triumph.
Argentina has also faced criticism over allegations of racism involving some supporters and players. Previous incidents have included discriminatory chants aimed at Black French players and racist behaviour directed at Brazilian fans. During the tournament, FIFA condemned racist abuse after an Argentine supporter insulted US streamer IShowSpeed during a livestream.
Messi acknowledged that Argentina continues to divide opinion but said the team had earned its place in another World Cup final through hard work and determination.
Despite growing opposition across Latin America, Argentina has continued to attract strong support at its training camps in the United States, where thousands of fans have gathered to cheer for Messi and his teammates. Some supporters across the region also continue to back Argentina out of South American solidarity.
