The fallout from the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina has spilled over into music. In just a few days, the singer Rosalía has seen a tribute concert to her work cancelled in Argentina and calls grow for a boycott of her upcoming concerts in Buenos Aires. American artist Patti Smith has also ended up backtracking on a post about the match after receiving a wave of criticism.
The controversy broke out against a backdrop of high tension after the World Cup final. The match and the days that followed were marked by clashes between fans on social media, traded insults, harassment campaigns against public figures and several rows over the behaviour of some Argentine players and supporters, which sparked a wide debate beyond the country.
Both artists ended up apologising after some Argentine fans interpreted their messages as making fun of the national team. But what exactly did they post, and why has it caused such an uproar?
"My bad": What did Rosalía post and why did she apologise?
The controversy began shortly after the World Cup final, when Rosalía shared on TikTok a video originally posted by influencer Mia Khalifa celebrating Spain's victory. The clip featured "La Perla", one of the songs on the album "LUX", with the caption: "How life sounds now that the pearls have been defeated".
