Milei and Macron Meet Amid Soccer Controversy in Paris
- Argentine President Javier Milei and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Paris to address ongoing issues related to their countries' soccer rivalry.
- The meeting aimed to reconcile differences that have escalated due to the competitive nature of their national teams.
- Both leaders expressed a desire to foster better relations moving forward.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentine President Javier Milei and French President Emmanuel Macron convened in Paris on Friday, seemingly putting aside tensions stemming from their nations' intense soccer rivalry. This meeting follows a backlash over a video showing the Argentine national team engaging in racist chants, which drew criticism from French officials regarding the offensive nature of the lyrics aimed at French players of African descent. The controversial song, which originated from fan chants during Argentina's 2022 World Cup final against France, resurfaced after Argentina's recent Copa America victory over Colombia. The situation escalated when Argentine Vice President Victoria Villarruel defended the players involved and accused the French government of hypocrisy for its criticism. In a bid to mend diplomatic relations, Karina Milei, the Argentine president's sister and general secretary, apologized at the French embassy for Villarruel's comments. Macron expressed his gratitude for her efforts, acknowledging her role in alleviating the diplomatic strain. However, the French government has yet to release its own account of the meeting. Milei's office emphasized the positive outcome of the discussions, highlighting the "excellent state of the relationship" between the two countries. The leaders addressed various topics, including Argentina's pursuit of financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund and the upcoming presidential elections in Venezuela, indicating a focus on broader bilateral cooperation.