Argentina’s president Javier Milei breaks silence after 23 million signatures on petition calling for World Cup ban | Football News
The fallout from Argentina’s dramatic 2026 FIFA World Cup final loss to Spain continues to worsen, with President Javier Milei launching a defiant response on social media after an online petition calling for Argentina’s ban from future World Cups surpassed 23 million signatures.Spain claimed their second men’s World Cup title with a 1-0 extra-time win at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute after Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated proceedings and prevented Lionel Messi’s Argentina from registering a shot on target in regular time.However, attention quickly shifted away from football after riotous scenes erupted at the final whistle, prompting FIFA to open disciplinary proceedings over the handling of several members of Argentina’s delegation.
The petition has surpassed 28 million signatures
According to reports, the “Argentina except” the campaign officially closed on 19 July 2026, immediately after the World Cup final, with exactly 23,316,108 verified signatures from supporters in almost 170 countries. The petition narrowly missed the all-time Guinness World Record for the most signed online petition, falling just short of the record 24.3 million signatures.The campaign called on FIFA to exclude Argentina from future World Cups, arguing that the team’s conduct during and after the final had tarnished the game’s image and called for stronger action to protect fair play.The petition emerged after a game in which Argentina accumulated repeated fouls, had midfielder Enzo Fernández sent off in stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card, and was involved in an ugly confrontation after Spain’s win.
Spain’s Gavi, left, falls while battling Leandro Paredes (5) and Argentina’s Thiago Almada during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, NJ, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Leandro Paredes was seen grabbing Spain defender Eric García by the throat before tackling Gavi, while Nahuel Molina flashed a punch at Spain captain Rodri. FIFA has since launched an investigation into the incidents, with players, coaching staff and the Argentine Football Association potentially facing disciplinary sanctions.
Miley retaliated with social media posts
Instead of distancing himself from the growing controversy, Argentina’s President Javier Milei responded with a series of patriotic messages on Instagram defending the national team and criticizing his proposed hostility to Argentina.One of the posts shared by the Argentine leader read:“Do you have enemies? It means you are defending something. We are defending Argentina.”In another post, Milei admitted that Argentina’s global prominence was the reason for the criticism.“The problem with Argentina is that we stand out. We don’t get noticed, people envy us, and we’re good at almost everything.”He also shared an AI-generated image of himself ripping off his suit to reveal an Argentina shirt underneath, along with the caption:“Long live Argentina, damn it!”The posts were widely circulated as the debate over Argentina’s conduct continued at home and abroad.
The counter-petition called for a final replay of the World Cup
The backlash also fueled a counter-campaign within Argentina.Thousands of supporters have signed a separate petition demanding that the World Cup final be replayed, saying that Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić gave a biased performance that favored Spain.The petition said the final was influenced by “controversial and corrupt” officiating and asked FIFA to overturn the result.However, no proven evidence was presented to substantiate the allegations, and there was nothing to indicate that FIFA or Vinčić acted improperly during the match.The Argentine Football Association also sought to calm speculation surrounding replay demands, while AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia urged supporters to embrace Spain’s victory.
Paredes remains unapologetic as FIFA review continues
The controversy was compounded by comments from midfielder Leandro Paredes, who has come under intense scrutiny for his role in the post-match altercation.In a social media message published after the final, Paredes expressed pride in Argentina’s campaign but made no apologies for his actions.“Thank you, Argentina! I love you now and always,” he wrote. “Today I write with a lot of pain in my heart because we cannot give our country the happiness it deserves, but in my chest is filled with pride to give everything we have and put our flag high again.”He added that it was “an honor to be part of the best Argentine team in history.”Along with Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala remain under investigation by FIFA after the disturbances at MetLife Stadium.Meanwhile, criticism continues to grow beyond Argentina’s borders. Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente recently described the scenes as “unbearable” and praised his players for keeping their composure throughout the confrontation, while FIFA’s disciplinary process continues as world football’s governing body reviews referee reports and video footage from the final.
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