France and Argentina Rivalry Fueled by Victory and Racist Chants
Thierry Henry and Javier Mascherano, known for their composed demeanour during their playing days, have transitioned into leadership roles, guiding the youth teams of France and Argentina, respectively, to the Olympic quarterfinals. Their careers, which spanned the English Premier League and Barcelona, overlapped but never intersected. This match, set against the backdrop of a tense Paris, is anything but ordinary.
Henry and Mascherano might reflect on the past when relations between France and Argentina were more amicable. Both nations were proud footballing countries, their players prominent in Europe's top leagues, but there was little animosity. Today, however, the scenario is different. From the busy waters of the River Seine during the opening parade to the red clay of Roland Garros, Argentine athletes have faced a chorus of boos. An Argentine newspaper, Clarín, even proclaimed, 'Argentina is the enemy of France.'
A Brewing Rivalry
The hostility is palpable. Argentine athletes are mocked, their national anthem sneered at, and their blue-white-and-gold uniforms derided. In their opening Rugby 7s match against Kenya, Argentine players were jeered throughout. Santiago Mare, one of the players, noted the unexpected hostility. The tension reached a peak at the Stade de France, where 80,000 spectators booed every Argentine touch of the ball. France celebrated wildly when Argentina lost, eventually winning gold by defeating Fiji.
The animosity is not just about the sports rivalry. Last year, two French players were arrested in Argentina on charges of sexual assault, further straining relations. However, the core of the conflict is rooted in a football match – the World Cup final in Qatar, considered one of the most thrilling in history. Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick and Lionel Messi’s crowning moment were overshadowed by accusations of racist chants from Argentine supporters. French legend Patrick Vieira highlighted this as a dark side of Argentina’s World Cup victory.
The French have not forgotten. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, seen as a key antagonist, was booed in Paris at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. The rivalry was reignited when Enzo Fernandez, fresh from a COPA America win, was caught on a livestream singing a racist song with teammates. Despite calls to stop, the video continued, intensifying the rivalry. Fernandez’s French club teammates immediately unfollowed him on social media, and although he apologized, the damage was done. Argentina defended him, with Vice-President Victoria Villarruel asserting Argentina's sovereignty and rejecting any intimidation. President Javier Milei even fired the undersecretary of sport for suggesting an apology from team captain Messi.
The discord has affected diplomatic ties. Presidents Milei and Emmanuel Macron met before the Games, claiming to have resolved their differences. However, the rivalry persists, likely to flare up on the football field. While none of France’s 2022 World Cup final squad will play in the quarterfinal, four Argentinians will. Henry and Mascherano, in their leadership roles, find themselves navigating this unique and intense rivalry, challenging their calm and composed nature.
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Akanksha Sinha
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