It's World Cup final weekend, and the passion is running high – but not just on the pitch. A seismic shift in allegiances has rocked Latin America, with many fans ditching their traditional South American loyalty to back Spain against Argentina. It's a move that would've been unthinkable just weeks ago, but the drama, division, and downright dirty tricks have taken centre stage in this extraordinary final.
Brazilian journalist Julia Duailibi is among those feeling the heat, having publicly confessed her reluctance to support Messi & Co. despite their epic semi-final win over England. She's not alone – a string of racist incidents involving Argentinian fans has left a sour taste, and many in the region are now questioning whether the team truly deserves their backing.
Nicolás Cabrera, an Argentinian sociologist with a deep understanding of football fandoms across Latin America, believes this new divide is here to stay. He points out that Argentina's recent success on the world stage – three finals in four years and at least one victory – has sparked jealousy among their neighbours, who're fed up with being left behind.
The presence of global superstar Lionel Messi only adds fuel to the fire, as do the ever-growing rivalries between clubs from different countries. The Copa Libertadores may have expanded to include nearly 50 teams, but it's also become a breeding ground for hate and intolerance – social media is amplifying these divisions, providing a platform for vile racism, xenophobia, and discrimination.
Just last month, several Argentinian tourists were arrested in Brazil for 'racial insult', a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions between fans. The ugly incidents involving US influencer IShowSpeed during Argentina's match against Cape Verde have only added to the pressure – it's clear that these rivalries are now spilling over into the World Cup, and there's no sign of them letting up.