A sports official in Argentina was dismissed after demanding an apology from the country’s national team players for racial slurs, according to the presidential press service. The statement emphasized that no government is entitled to dictate what the national team, a world champion and twice winner of the America’s Cup, should say or think. It singled out Julio Garro, the Deputy Minister of Sports, as the person held responsible and confirmed his removal from office for this reason.
On July 17 Garro asserted that Lionel Messi should apologize for racist remarks directed at the French national team. The remark was reported by Corta and drew immediate attention across the football community and political circles. The incident followed Argentina’s victory in the 2024 Copa America final, a moment that was broadcast live by Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez and quickly spread through media channels. The French Football Federation subsequently filed a formal complaint with the International Federation of Football Associations (IFFA) over actions by Argentine players and sent a letter to the Argentine federation requesting swift action.
That same day Garro rejected the report that Messi had requested an apology, though the timing suggested controversy had already taken hold and could influence ongoing discussions. Earlier, FIFA opened an investigation into what was described as a racist song performed by members of the Argentina national team. The development added another layer to a fraught period for Argentina as it sought to defend its on-field achievements while facing scrutiny over team conduct and diplomatic repercussions.
The broader context includes the emotional aftermath of a dramatic Copa America victory, questions about players’ conduct during high-stakes matches, and the role of officials in publicly commenting on the behavior of athletes. The situation underscores how national sports success is intertwined with expectations around sportsmanship and accountability. Statements from government sources and sporting bodies alike indicate an effort to set standards and address instances that may tarnish a country’s reputation on the world stage. The evolving case continues to be watched by fans, media outlets, and governing bodies as it unfolds in parallel with ongoing inquiries and formal reviews. [Citation: TASS] [Citation: Corta] [Citation: FIFA] [Citation: French Football Federation]