Messi asked to apologize for Argentina's racism

On July 15, a group of Argentine players including Enzo Fernandez, Lo Celso and Rodrigo De Paul took a bus to the airport in Miami to return to Buenos Aires to celebrate winning the Copa America. On the bus, they sang and danced, including a song that was considered racist against the French team, with lines like: "They play for France but they are from Angola. Their mothers are Nigerian, their fathers are Cameroonian, but their passports are French."

The video was filmed and live-streamed by Fernandez himself, although he later removed it. The Chelsea midfielder can be heard singing the song, but there is no evidence that Lo Celso or De Paul did either. Centre-back Lisandro Martinez was on the bus, but did not appear to be singing along. Messi, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister or Alejandro Garnacho were not on the bus.

However, answering the radio channelUrbana PlayDeputy Minister Garro still wants Messi to speak up. "The captain and the president of the Argentine Football Federation must come forward and apologize," he said. "This has put a glorious country like Argentina in a bad situation. Their apology will help set an example, so that society can see that football also needs forgiveness."

Although the statement was recorded online, Mr. Garro later posted it on social media.Xto deny. "I categorically deny having asked Messi to apologize," he wrote. "To do so would be disrespectful to someone who has always honored the team with his human and sporting qualities."

After the video went viral on social media, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced that it had asked FIFA to investigate the "racist" incident. A FIFA spokesperson also confirmed on July 17 that they were looking into the matter. "FIFA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination by anyone, including players, fans and officials," the organization's representative added.

Chelsea also confirmed Fernandez's involvement in the incident, saying they were investigating internally and were using the incident as an opportunity to educate the player. The 23-year-old midfielder also posted an apology online, adding that "there is absolutely no excuse for this".

Three French Chelsea players, Axel Disasi, Wesley Fofana and Malo Gusto, have unfollowed Fernandez on social media. Striker David Datro Fofana said Fernandez's actions "should not be allowed in football or anywhere else". Meanwhile, striker Nicolas Jackson posted a video of Fernandez playing with a black boy on social media, causing controversy.

This song originated from the 2022 World Cup final, when a group of fans sang it live on television. During the World Cup victory celebration in Buenos Aires, several Argentine players, including De Paul, also wanted to sing this song, but were stopped by Messi.

The last time Messi had to apologize publicly was when he was injured and missed a minute of Argentina's friendly match in Hong Kong on February 4, 2024. But this time, he wasn't even involved in the incident.