Argentina’s Deputy Sports Minister Fired Over Messi Apology ⚽
Argentina’s deputy sports minister, Júlio Garro, has been sacked after saying Lionel Messi should apologise to his team for chanting racist and transphobic chants against France. Garro made the remarks on a local radio station, but was fired hours later.
The controversial chant came from the bus, and Messi was not there. Garro told Urbana Play that Messi and Argentine Football Federation president Claudio Tapia should apologize. He said the incident made Argentina look bad and suggested they make an example of it.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez led the chant, even live-streaming it on Instagram. That didn’t sit well with Argentina’s far-right President Javier Millei, who fired Garro. Millei said on social media that no government should dictate what the national team or its citizens should say or do. “Julio Garro is no longer the vice-minister of sport,” he declared.
Argentina’s Vice President Victoria Villaruel also joined in, saying no colonial power would threaten Argentina for a song or an inconvenient truth. She stressed Argentina’s sovereignty and expressed support for Enzo and Messi.
The controversy comes after the French FA threatened legal action against the Argentine FA. Chelsea player Wesley Fofana shared a video condemning racist chants. His teammate David D’Arro Fofana condemned the chants and stressed that racism in football is unacceptable.
Fernandez apologized for his role, admitting the offensive language was unforgivable. He opposed discrimination and regretted being swept up in the Copa America celebrations.
Chelsea responded by condemning all forms of discrimination and acknowledging Fernandes’ apology. They promised to use the incident as a learning moment and began internal disciplinary procedures. Some Chelsea players even unfollowed Fernandes on Instagram.
Fernandes is set to join Chelsea for pre-season training after a long break following the Copa America. He is under contract until 2032 and joined the club in 2023 for £107m from Benfica.
