Democratic U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett linked the widespread support Spain received in the World Cup final to what she described as Argentina’s “history of racism” during a congressional hearing on Tuesday, sparking controversy.

Crockett, a Texas Democrat, argued that much of the world’s backing for Spain over Argentina stemmed from perceptions of the South American country’s racial history.

The remarks came during a congressional hearing featuring historian David Blight and Anthea Hartig, director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. 

Referring to the World Cup final, Crockett asked Blight: “The last two teams were Argentina and Spain. It seemed like the overwhelming majority of the world was rooting for … Argentina? Or, actually, against Argentina. Why do you think that was? Care to venture an explanation?”

Blight replied that Spain “was the better team, maybe that’s why people supported them.” Crockett dismissed the explanation and said that there is also “ a history of racism when it comes to Argentina.” 

The remark became yet another piece of online viral content targeting Argentina in the context of the World Cup final, in which Lionel Messi’s team lost by 1-0. 

Last Monday, Hollywood actor Samuel L. Jackson shared an Instagram post urging Black people not to support Argentina in the World Cup.

“Argentina has historically been one of, if not the most, racist countries in the world. If you are a Black person cheering for Argentina, this is what you look like to me,” the post read. It was accompanied by an image of Jackson’s character from Django Unchained wearing an Argentina national team jersey.

The post prompted a wave of responses from Black Argentines, anti-racism activists, and expats living in Argentina, who pushed back against the claim, arguing that the country was cast as the tournament’s “villain” in an increasingly polarized debate.

Zoé Gerbaudo, a Black Argentine from Córdoba province who now lives in New York, lamented Samuel L. Jackson’s post in a video, saying that there is an ongoing “hate campaign” against Argentina. She has also posted videos challenging the claim that Argentina “got rid” of its Black population.

Afro-Argentine singer and producer Emanuel Ntaka, a former member of popular local boy band Mambrú, addressed the notion that denouncing racism in Argentina claiming that there are no Black people in the country follows “the same logic” behind the racist drive to make the Black community “invisible.”

“I’m an Afro-Argentine, and I exist. My family exists. My community exists. Our history exists. And one of the forms of racism in Argentina was precisely making us invisible,” he said in an Instagram reel. 

“If you really want to fight racism, let’s start by acknowledging that existence.”

Rosalía and Patti Smith apologize for anti-Argentina content

Spanish singer Rosalía apologized to Argentine fans after facing backlash for sharing an Instagram story posted by former adult film star and influencer Mia Khalifa following Spain’s victory over Argentina in the 2026 Women’s World Cup final. 

The post, which included a snippet of Rosalía’s song La Perla, was interpreted by many Argentine fans as an endorsement of Khalifa’s celebration of Argentina’s defeat.

The controversy erupted just days before Rosalía’s scheduled concerts at Buenos Aires’ Movistar Arena as part of her Lux tour, prompting some fans to call for ticket refunds. 

In an Instagram story featuring the Argentine flag, the singer wrote: “I shared it because La Perla was playing and I didn’t even read what it said. My bad. Sorrrry.” She later posted another message, adding: “I have nothing but love for Argentina,” alongside a heart emoji.

Musician and poet Patti Smith also apologized after posting content that celebrated Spain’s triumph over Argentina describing the new world champions as “the good ones.” The singer received widespread backlash online and eliminated the post soon after, posting instead a picture praising Argentine captain Lionel Messi.

“Any words I have written were not meant to offend the Argentine people, whom I deeply care for. I have always respected and admired the courage and passion of the people,” she posted late on Instagram.

“I have ridden horses in the countryside, performed and exhibited work. I have received so much love and send my love in return, as well as deeply apologizing with all my heart,” she added.