Why many Black Americans were rooting for Argentina to lose the World Cup
This opinion piece by Etan Thomas explains why many Black Americans supported Spain over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, despite Spain's colonial history. The author argues that the decision was not about endorsing Spain but about opposing Argentina due to a pattern of racism, political silence, and controversial affiliations. Specific incidents cited include racist chants by Argentina fans and players, a hamburger business using a racial slur, and the political stances of Argentina's president Javier Milei, who aligns with Donald Trump and supports Israel amid the Gaza conflict. The article also criticizes Lionel Messi for not speaking out on these issues, contrasting him with historical athlete activists like Muhammad Ali and Bill Russell. The piece frames the match as a referendum on values rather than just sports.
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