Official demanding Lionel Messi apology sacked as Argentina’s racist chant takes new political twist

Argentina’s President Javier Milei has sacked Undersecretary Julio Garro after Garro demanded an apology from Lionel Messi and the national team over a racist chant, Soccernet.football reports.

Garro had stated in an interview that the chant put the country in a “bad situation.” FIFA has since announced an investigation into the incident.

The controversial chant was sung by Argentina’s players on Monday as they celebrated their Copa América title. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández captured the moment in a live broadcast on Instagram.

“They play for France, but they are from Angola. It’s great that they are going to run, they have relationships with transsexuals. Their mother is Nigerian, their father is Cambodian, but on their passport: French,” says the chant.

Garro had called for the players to apologize and said the incident tarnished the country’s reputation “after so many glories.” In an interview with the radio station “Urbana Play,” he added that Messi, as team captain, should issue an apology.

On Wednesday night, Milei’s office announced Garro’s dismissal via social media.

“The Office of the President reports that no government can tell what to comment, what to think or what to do to the Argentine National Team, World Champion and Two-time American Champion, or to any other citizen. For this reason, Julio Garro ceases to be Undersecretary of Sports of the Nation.”

FIFA has opened an investigation into the Argentine national team’s racist chant. Additionally, Chelsea in England has begun disciplinary proceedings against Enzo Fernández.