Argentina’s Deputy Sports Minister Sacked Over Messi Apology Remark ⚽
Argentina’s deputy sports minister, Julio Garro, got the boot after saying Lionel Messi should apologize for the team singing a racist and transphobic chant aimed at France. Garro made the comment on a local radio station, but within hours, he was out of a job.
The controversial chant took place on a bus, and Messi wasn’t even there. Garro told Urbana Play that Messi and the Argentine Football Federation president, Claudio Tapia, should apologize. He said the incident made Argentina look bad and suggested making an example out of it.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez led the chant and even went live on Instagram. This didn’t sit well with Argentina’s far-right president, Javier Milei, who fired Garro. Milei stated on social media that no government should dictate what the national team or any citizen should say or do. He declared, “Julio Garro ceases to be the under-secretary of sport.”
Argentina’s vice-president, Victoria Villarruel, also chimed in, saying no colonialist country will intimidate Argentina over a song or uncomfortable truths. She emphasized Argentina’s sovereignty and expressed support for both Enzo and Messi.
This controversy followed the French FA’s threat of legal action against the Argentinian FA. Chelsea player Wesley Fofana shared the video, calling out the racist chant. His teammate, David Datro Fofana, condemned the chant, stressing that racism has no place in football.
Fernandez apologized for his role, admitting the offensive language was inexcusable. He stood against discrimination and regretted getting swept up in the Copa America celebrations.
Chelsea responded, condemning all forms of discrimination and acknowledging Fernandez’s apology. They promised to use this incident as a teaching moment and started an internal disciplinary process. Some Chelsea players even unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram.
Fernandez is set to join Chelsea’s pre-season training after his extended break post-Copa America. Contracted until 2032, he joined the club from Benfica for £107 million in 2023.
