President of Argentina Javier Milei stated that criticism of the national team during the 2026 World Cup was part of a coordinated campaign by several countries, according to the website infohub.kz citing The Guardian.
According to the report, Milei accused the US Democratic Party and the governments of Brazil and Mexico of funding an 'anti-Argentina campaign' aimed at the national football team. The campaign included accusations of racism among fans and conspiracy theories that Lionel Messi's team secretly received support from FIFA.
"This is the work of progressive minds who do not want freedom ideas to come to life," Milei said. He claimed the largest share of funding came from the Brazilian government led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Earlier, Argentine Chamber of Deputies member from the right-wing Lilia Lemoine said the national football team was criticized at the 2026 World Cup due to racial issues.