The Unlikely Rivalry Brewing Between France and Argentina at the Olympics
The Olympic Games are often a celebration of international unity and friendship, but for France and Argentina, the 2024 edition has become a battleground. The reason? A simmering rivalry that’s been building up over the past two years, fueled by controversy, racism, and national pride.
For Thierry Henry and Javier Mascherano, two men of calm disposition who led their respective youth teams to the Olympics quarterfinals, this is a unique challenge. Henry, a svelte forward, and Mascherano, a slick defensive midfielder, have navigated the complexities of international football with ease. But this time, they’ll have to contend with a toxic atmosphere that’s been brewing since the 2022 World Cup final.
That’s when Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick and Lionel Messi’s destiny-defining moment sparked a heated debate. French players claimed that Argentine fans were spewing racist chants, while the Argentines retorted that France was jealous of their success. The tension has only intensified since then, with Enzo Fernández’s Copa America celebrations reigniting the flames.
A Rivalry Born of Victory Celebrations
Fernández’s teammates at Chelsea immediately unfollowed him on social media, and the Argentine soon apologized and reached out to his French club-mates. But the damage was done. Argentina’s vice-president, Victoria Villarruel, defended Fernández’s actions, saying that no colonialist country could intimidate Argentina for telling the truth. President Javier Milei, a right-wing populist, even sacked his undersecretary of sport for suggesting that Messi apologize for the chants.
The rancor has spread beyond the football pitch, with diplomatic ties between France and Argentina strained. The presidents of both countries met before the Games, claiming to have buried the differences, but the discord has returned. When France and Argentina face off on the pitch, the tension will be palpable.
A Call to Action
As the Olympic Games continue, we’ll be keeping a close eye on this developing rivalry. Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates, analysis, and insights into the world of football. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this unique and complex rivalry. Will Henry and Mascherano be able to keep their cool in the face of adversity? Only time will tell.