A wave of anti-Messi and Argentina sentiment has spread across social media and parts of Europe and Latin America following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with reports of online abuse, xenophobic attacks and accusations of racism targeting Argentines.
Argentine newspaper, La Nacion, reported on Wednesday that many Argentines living or travelling abroad have faced harassment since the final, while criticism of the national team has escalated across social media platforms.
The report said some Argentines in Brazil, Spain and Germany recounted being taunted, insulted or accused of racism after the final.
One Argentine businessman, identified as Ignacio H., said he was repeatedly taunted by a colleague while on a work trip to Brazil.
“It wasn’t a prediction; it was a form of provocation that I tried to avoid. I’d never experienced anything like it,” he said, referring to repeated messages predicting Spain’s victory.
