Argentina's undersecretary of sport has been dismissed from his position after calling for Lionel Messi to apologize for a racist and transphobic song directed towards France's players. The song, which was condemned by former captain Hugo Lloris as "an attack on French people," featured in a video that Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández posted on Instagram.

Chelsea swiftly responded to the incident by announcing that they had initiated an internal disciplinary procedure against Fernández. The midfielder has since apologized, stating that the video does not reflect his beliefs or character. It is likely that he will face a fine from his club as a result.

FIFA has confirmed that it is investigating the incident, prompted by the calls for an apology from both Julio Garro, Argentina's undersecretary of sport, and the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) president, Claudio Tapia. However, the office of Argentina's president, Javier Milei, issued a forceful statement that Garro had been dismissed from his position. The statement emphasized that no government should dictate the actions or opinions of the Argentina national team or any other citizen.

In response to the controversy, Argentina's vice-president, Victoria Villarruel, defended the team on social media. She argued that no country with a colonial history has the right to condemn Argentina for a song sung on a field or for expressing an uncomfortable truth. Villarruel expressed her support for Enzo Fernández and thanked Messi for his contributions to the national team, while urging her fellow Argentines to hold their heads high.

Hugo Lloris, who captained France during the past two World Cups, including their run to the final in Qatar 2022 when the controversial chant first emerged, criticized the players involved in the video for not demonstrating more responsibility. He acknowledged the achievements of the Argentinian team in recent years but emphasized that as winners, they have a responsibility to set a positive example, particularly for young fans. Lloris noted that the song was especially hurtful to French people of African origin and those with African heritage.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the potential consequences of public figures and athletes engaging in discriminatory behavior. FIFA's ongoing investigation will likely shed more light on the matter, as the global football governing body aims to maintain the integrity of the sport and address issues of discrimination.

As this controversy unfolds, questions surrounding the responsibilities of players, clubs, and associations in combating racism and discrimination continue to be raised. The fallout from the incident emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity and respect within the world of sports.