As Spain and Argentina fought for the coveted World Title, the World took sides. The division was sharp, as the neutrals were diminished to a few. This was unprecedented. Maybe symbolic, but deep-rooted for the first time.
The relationship between Argentina and Spain spans centuries of shared colonial history, deep cultural and linguistic ties, massive immigration waves, and a tight-knit footballing rivalry. The two countries have strong commercial ties too across banking and technology in particular.
The difference, however, is in the political ideology, which has spilt over across the world into a sharp divide, particularly in the context of Israel’s war on Gaza.
Argentina President Javier Milei and his far-right-leaning administration have been backing Netanyahu in the backdrop of Gaza, while the left-leaning Spanish government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have been vocally critical of Israel’s military action in Gaza. Moreover, Pedro Sanchez has been steadfast on his views regarding the US-Iran war, where he refused any support to Donald Trump.
No wonder, neutral observers and Palestine sympathisers backed Spain to the hilt against Argentina. Even Messi fans came out in support of Spain; the division ran so deep. Pedro Sanchez’s brave stand against Trump too fuelled further momentum in support of the Spaniards.
In addition to the above, alleged errors in refereeing during the Argentina-Egypt match generated a full-blown negative sentiment against Argentina, resulting in a large section of neutral football fans clamouring for a Spanish win.
I wanted Messi to get the Golden Boot, and Lamine Yamal to win it for Spain. It was difficult, though not impossible, for both events to happen simultaneously. There was nothing ideological about it, but unknowingly I had taken sides too.
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