Argentina players spotted singing racist France chant from 2022 World Cup after 2024 Copa America win
After winning the 2024 Copa America title, the Argentine squad was filmed singing a racist chant about the French national team, which originated during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. La Albiceleste defeated Les Bleus in the final of the World Cup in 2022 and beat Colombia 1-0 in the final of the Copa America on Sunday.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez posted a video of the squad's celebrations on Instagram, which shows them singing the racist chant after they arrived in Buenos Aires. Argentine fans were criticized for the chant during the World Cup in Qatar.
In the video uploaded by Fernandez, the team could be heard aiming derogatory remarks towards the French national team, singing (via The Athletic):
"They play for France, but they are from Angola. His mother is Nigerian, His father Cameroonian. But on the passport, they're French."
The Argentinian Football Federation is yet to comment on its players' shameful display. The French Football Federation has filed a legal complaint regarding the matter, as per The Athletic.
Colombia coach describes Argentina streak at Copa America and World Cup as an 'Era'
Colombia national team head coach Nestor Lorenzo has hailed Argentina for their recent success at Copa America and the World Cup. La Albiceleste have won three major competitions on the bounce (2021 Copa America, 2022 World Cup, 2024 Copa America), besting Lorenzo's side in the final of the CONMEBOL showpiece event at the MetLife stadium.
After the match, Lorenzo expressed his delight with his team's performances in the tournament. He said (via Washington Post):
“It is an experience that you feel in your whole body, playing in the final, I don’t feel it was a defeat. We were triumphant throughout the tournament. We are on the right path.”
Lorenzo added:
“(Argentina's success is) Not a streak; it’s an era.”
Reacting to his team's triumph, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said:
“I don’t know if we are marking an era, but this team continues to surprise everyone and overcome every opponent. It’s very gratifying to watch them play.”
La Albiceleste retained their Copa America crown thanks to a goal from Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez in the 112th minute. They will be hoping to retain their World Cup crown in the global showpiece event that will also be held in the USA in 2026.