Mascherano highlights another side of the racism controversy, demands an apology from Messi

"If there is one thing we are not in Argentina, it is racist," said Mascherano, coach of the Argentine Olympic football team, at a press conference.

This week, a lot of commotion arose when Fernández posted a video on his social media in which a possibly racist song was sung about the French on the bus of Copa América winner Argentina. This led to great anger among the French.

"In my opinion, this is a cultural misunderstanding," continued Mascherano. "Sometimes you need to understand a country's culture well. Then you know that we consider this a joke, while elsewhere it is misinterpreted. Enzo has also apologized. Sometimes people try to make things bigger than they are."

"I know Enzo; he is a great guy. The video has been taken out of context. We are a completely inclusive country. People from all over the world live in Argentina, and everyone is treated well," Mascherano concluded.

Demands for Apology

Not everyone in Argentina sees it this way. The Secretary of Sports, Julio Garro, has demanded apologies from captain Lionel Messi and the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), Chiqui Tapia. "The captain of the national team must apologize. Just like the president of the AFA. This damages the image of our country greatly," he told Corta.

Garro's demand reflects a significant divide in public opinion on the matter. While some, like Mascherano, view the incident as a misunderstanding blown out of proportion, others believe it requires serious attention and accountability. The controversy has not only sparked outrage in France but has also ignited a broader discussion on cultural sensitivity and the responsibilities of public figures in promoting respectful behavior.

The pressure on Messi and Tapia to address the issue publicly is mounting. As leaders of the national team and the football association, their responses could play a crucial role in either quelling the outrage or further inflaming the situation. An apology from such high-profile figures might help mend relations and demonstrate a commitment to upholding Argentina's reputation as an inclusive and respectful nation.

This incident underscores the complexities of cultural interpretation and the potential for misunderstandings in a globally connected world. As the football community and fans await further developments, the hope is that this situation can serve as a learning moment for greater empathy and cultural awareness in the future.