Argentina’s shame: World Cup thuggery sparks calls for ban as Milei plays the victim

The disgraceful scenes that marred the World Cup final in New Jersey have ignited a furious international backlash, with a petition demanding Argentina be banned from future tournaments now attracting over 23 million signatures. In the face of this condemnation, Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, has retreated into a bunker of nationalist grievance, posting inflammatory social media messages that portray his country as a victim of jealousy.

Spain’s extra-time victory over Lionel Messi and his team was overshadowed by the ugly brawl that erupted after the final whistle. Midfielder Leandro Paredes was seen kicking and punching, shoving Eric Garcia to the ground and grappling with Gavi, while Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch at Rodri. FIFA has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the incident, with suspensions and fines now a real possibility.

The Argentine team, which managed only two shots on goal and had Enzo Fernandez sent off, has been widely condemned for its behaviour. Yet the response from Buenos Aires has been one of defiant nationalism. President Milei, a right-wing firebrand, has taken to Instagram to share posts that read: “Do you have enemies? It means you once defended something. We defend Argentina,” and “The problem with Argentina is that we are conspicuous, we don’t go unnoticed, people are jealous of us.” He even shared an AI-generated image of himself ripping open his suit to reveal an Argentina shirt, captioned “Long live Argentina, damn it!”

This ugly nationalism is not new. It follows the semi-final win over England, when Argentine players celebrated with a banner proclaiming “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” – “The Falklands are Argentine” – a direct provocation to this country and a reminder of the 1982 conflict that cost 255 British lives. The same belligerent spirit now infects the team’s response to the World Cup final disgrace.

Paredes, the chief villain of the piece, has refused to apologise. Instead, he wrote on social media: “Thank you, Argentina! I love you today and always. It was an honour to be part of the best Argentine national team in history.” He and his teammates Molina and Thiago Almada, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala, face disciplinary proceedings. The Argentine Football Association can also expect a hefty fine for failing to control its players.

This is not the first time Argentina has sullied a major tournament with thuggery. The 1990 World Cup saw them booed by neutrals after a cynical, foul-ridden campaign. Now, 36 years later, the pattern repeats. The question for FIFA is whether a nation that so consistently flouts the spirit of the game deserves a place on the world stage. The petition, signed by millions across 170 countries, suggests the answer is a firm no.

Why is Argentina facing a World Cup ban?

An online petition calling for Argentina to be banned from all future World Cups has gathered over 23 million signatures from 170 countries. It follows the violent brawl after the World Cup final defeat to Spain, in which Argentine players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina were seen attacking Spanish opponents. FIFA is investigating the incident.

What did Javier Milei say about the backlash?

President Javier Milei has used Instagram to post nationalist messages, including claims that “people are jealous of us” and that Argentina is “good at almost everything.” He shared an AI image of himself in an Argentina shirt, and has encouraged a siege mentality that dismisses international criticism as envy.

What is the Falklands connection?

During the semi-final win over England, Argentine players celebrated with a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Falklands are Argentine). This is a direct reference to the 1982 Falklands War, in which 255 British servicemen died. It has inflamed tensions and is seen as a deliberate provocation by many in Britain.

What punishment could Argentina face?

FIFA has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess the post-match violence. Players Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala, face possible suspensions. The Argentine Football Association could be fined for failing to control its players and staff.