Argentina continued its recent stretch of dominance with another Copa America title Sunday, but not without some controversy.
Argentina bested Colombia 1-0 in extra time despite losing superstar Lionel Messi to an ankle injury in the 66th minute. Lautaro Martinez played hero, netting the game-winning goal in the 112th minute to deliver for his country.
Argentina should be celebrated for winning its third consecutive major championship, piling on its 2022 World Cup title by defending its 2021 Copa America crown.
Instead, the team has been lashed with criticism in the fallout of the victory after a few players were caught singing racist and homophobic songs aimed at France during the celebration of their championship Sunday night.
Argentina's deputy sports minister Julio Garro attempted to step in and force Messi to apologize for his teammates' actions, but that choice came with immediate repercussions.
Garro was fired by Argentina president Javier Milei hours after Garro called out the team's captain.
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Argentina fires sports minister for suggesting Messi should apologize for teammates' behavior
Argentina deputy sports minister Garro made a radio appearance after the country's Copa America victory, calling out team captain Messi to apologize for his teammates' viral behavior in the post-match celebrations.
'I think [Messi] should come out and offer the appropriate apologies, as should the Argentine Football Federation president [Claudio Tapia],' Garro said.
That statement immediately backfired. Garro was fired by Argentina president Milei hours later.
"The Office of the President states that no government has the right to tell the Argentine national team, world champions and double Copa America champions, or any other citizen, what to comment, what to think and what to do.'
"That is why Julio Garro ceases to be the under-secretary of sport," Milei stated.
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Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, whose live social media stream was responsible for the viral clip, later apologized for his actions.
"I want to apologize sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations," he wrote on social media.
