Following the 2026 World Cup final, Argentine players were embroiled in several controversies. The public widely condemned the unacceptable behavior of some players, with American actor Samuel L. Jackson even calling Argentina "the most racist country in the world" on social media. After returning to Rosario to reunite with his family, Messi's partner, Antonella, retweeted a post from Argentine television commentator Connie Ansaldi.
The message reads: "I am proud to be Argentinian. In Argentina, we are like family. Family members can tease and criticize each other, but if someone slanders us from the outside, we will definitely stand together to defend each other."
