A viral image of Spanish star Lamine Yamal wearing a Brazilian jersey, captioned “The hope of the Brazilian people,” captures a rare moment of regional unity in Latin America—united not in support, but in opposition to Argentina. As Lionel Messi’s team prepares for the World Cup final, fans from Mexico to Chile are openly rooting for Spain, breaking decades of football solidarity. Main Developments Across Latin America, a wave of memes, jokes, and criticism has surged against Argentina. Fans in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Chile have declared they will support Spain in the final, a stark departure from the tradition of backing regional teams deep in tournaments. In Sao Paulo, Brazilian fan Francisco Santos said he would rather see Spain win than Argentina claim a fourth title. In Bogota, finance worker Juan Camilo Abusaid echoed the sentiment: “We’re going to cheer for Spain.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum even joked with journalists, who shouted “Spain!” when asked about their choice. Read also: Why Argentina's Falklands Banner Could Spark FIFA Sanctions Many critics accuse Argentina of receiving favorable refereeing. Santos claimed, “Argentina has had help from referees,” a view shared by Mexico City police officer Antonio Lopez, who said he could accept a hard-fought win but not one aided by officials. These allegations persist even when decisions are backed by FIFA and match experts. Background This anti-Argentina phenomenon is not new. A similar pattern emerged before Argentina’s third World Cup title in 2022. Colombian sociologist German Gomez notes that the “dynamic of solidarity … has been broken,” fueled by social media narratives painting Argentina as FIFA’s favored team under president Gianni Infantino. Gomez contrasts the public perception of Diego Maradona—seen as a revolutionary who challenged FIFA’s power—with that of Lionel Messi, who is now viewed as the organization’s “golden boy.” This shift in image has deepened resentment among rival fans. National politics also plays a role. Chile’s Rachid Sjoberg said he dislikes Argentine President Javier Milei and would resent him boasting about a World Cup win. Additionally, past incidents of racism—including a chant mocking Black French players and bananas thrown at Brazilian fans—have fueled negative perceptions of Argentine supporters. Why It Matters The widespread opposition to Argentina highlights a fracture in Latin American football culture, where regional pride once trumped rivalries. This shift reflects deeper tensions: perceived FIFA favoritism, political polarization, and unresolved issues of racism in the stands. For brands like the Argentine fernet company that launched an advert titled “We are unbearable,” the sentiment has become a marketing opportunity. The ad humorously portrays rival fans in a therapy circle complaining about Argentine passion, showing how the divide has entered popular culture. Yet not all Latin Americans are against Argentina. In Lima, student Valentino Tocto said he supports the team because it represents South America. The team has also received enthusiastic responses at training camps in the United States, with fans chanting Messi’s name. What's Next As the final approaches, the anti-Argentina sentiment is likely to intensify on social media, with memes and jokes continuing to circulate. The outcome of the match could either amplify or soften these feelings. FIFA has condemned racism during the tournament, and any further incidents involving Argentine fans could trigger disciplinary actions. Meanwhile, the team’s performance—and the refereeing decisions—will be scrutinized by critics who already doubt the fairness of their run.