Argentina's World Cup Popularity Declines Amid Political and Racism Controversies

Argentina is set to face Switzerland in the World Cup quarterfinals early Sunday morning, aiming to advance in their title defense. However, unlike previous tournaments, global support for Argentina has notably diminished. The Argentine newspaper Clarín reported that the recent dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt sparked a mix of football and political tensions, particularly alienating many Muslim fans who have stopped supporting the reigning champions.

A former fan named Amir from Dubai expressed his anger, accusing Argentina of supporting the Palestinian genocide and criticizing the team's on-field violence and racism, including past incidents like racial slurs against French player Kylian Mbappé. While Lionel Messi remains respected, some view his current behavior as arrogant. Clarín highlighted how Argentina's foreign policy under President Javier Milei, who openly supports Israel and distances the country from the Arab world, has intensified these sentiments.

The article also noted that Argentina’s historical controversies, such as the infamous "Hand of God" goal celebrated 40 years ago, fuel perceptions of cheating and conspiracy theories among Arabs, Latin Americans, and Europeans. Steve, an international airline executive who frequently visits Argentina, remarked that many now perceive Argentina as a racist country, and wearing the national team jersey abroad can provoke distant reactions. He urged open discussion about these issues, warning that Argentina’s global influence is waning as a result.