Argentina's Sports Undersecretary Dismissed Over Messi Controversy

Argentina's undersecretary of sport, Julio Garro, has been dismissed following his call for Lionel Messi to apologize for a controversial song that has been deemed racist and transphobic towards French players. The song, which has drawn criticism from French captain Hugo Lloris, was described as an "attack on French people." Garro's comments prompted backlash, leading him to later clarify that the video did not represent his beliefs or character, and he is now facing potential fines from his club. FIFA has announced that it is investigating the incident, which has sparked a wider debate about the responsibilities of athletes as role models. Garro had urged both Messi, who captained Argentina during the Copa América, and Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentinian Football Association (AFA), to issue apologies. In response to the controversy, the Argentine government emphasized that no authority should dictate the actions or thoughts of the national team or its citizens. In a show of support for Messi, political figure Villarruel expressed solidarity, stating that Argentines should remain proud and resilient. He highlighted Argentina's diverse history, asserting that the nation has never imposed its way of life on others and will not tolerate such actions against it. Lloris acknowledged the achievements of the Argentine team over recent years but stressed the importance of athletes setting a positive example, particularly for younger fans.