Lionel Messi Should Apologize for Argentina's Racist Chants

Argentine government official calls on Lionel Messi and Claudio Tapia to apologize for racist chants made by Argentina's players after they won the Copa América.

Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina's national soccer team, is facing calls to apologize for racist chants made by his teammates after their victory in the Copa América.

An Argentinean government official, Julio Garro, said that Messi and the president of the country's soccer federation, Claudio Tapia, should apologize after a video was shared on social media showing members of Argentina's triumphant squad singing a racist chant about French players with African heritage.

The video, which was posted on Instagram, shows Argentina players, including midfielder Enzo Fernandez, chanting about France's team as they celebrated their victory in Miami Gardens, Florida. The same chants, which single out France players of African heritage from several countries, were also heard before Argentina beat France in the World Cup final in 2022.

Fernandez has since apologized for his involvement in the incident, saying that he was "truly sorry" and that he "never intended to offend anyone." His Premier League club, Chelsea, has also begun disciplinary action, describing discriminatory behavior as "completely unacceptable."

It is unclear from the video if Messi participated in the chant, but Garro said that he believes the captain should apologize regardless. "The national team captain must also come out to apologize for this case. The same AFA (Argentina Football Association) president,' Garro said in radio statements. "I think it is appropriate. It leaves us as a country in a bad position, with so much glory."

FIFA has also said that it is looking into the incident after the French soccer federation pledged to file a complaint with the sport's world governing body over "racist and discriminatory remarks."

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many people calling for Messi to speak out against racism in soccer. Messi, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has not yet commented on the incident.

It remains to be seen whether Messi will apologize for the incident, but the calls for him to do so are growing louder. If he does apologize, it would send a powerful message against racism in soccer and help to promote a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all players.