Argentina has achieved the top position in the FIFA men’s rankings, prompting a response from the government to critics of the team’s song about France, which has been deemed racially insensitive.


Argentina has been officially recognized as the top-ranked team in the FIFA men’s rankings as of Thursday. This announcement comes amidst the national government's staunch defense of the players who celebrated their Copa America victory by singing a song that contained racially charged lyrics directed at the second-ranked team, France.

The repercussions of the chant sung late on Sunday in Miami, which disparaged the African heritage of certain French players, persisted for four days. This included a response from the vice president of Argentina's far-right government, who criticized Argentina’s detractors.

The Argentine government dismissed one of its prominent sports officials on Wednesday after the official called for an apology from Lionel Messi and the president of the Argentine Football Association.

The Undersecretary of Sports, Julio Garro, made a statement after FIFA announced that it was investigating an incident involving an English club, Chelsea, which has initiated disciplinary proceedings against its midfielder, Enzo Fernandez. Garro shared footage of the incident on social media, captured from the Argentina team bus in Florida.

Hernandez subsequently issued an apology on his Instagram account, which was no longer accessible as of Thursday. In his apology, he expressed deep regret and acknowledged that the video, the moment, and the words he used did not accurately represent his beliefs or character.

In response to the country’s critics, Argentina’s Vice President, Victoria Villarruel, posted a defiant message on social media.

“No country with a colonial history is going to put us down for a song sung on a field nor for speaking a truth that nobody wants to admit,” Villarruel wrote.

“Enough of pretending to be offended, hypocrites. Enzo I am with you, Messi thanks for everything! Argentines always keep your heads high! Long live Argentina!”

Argentina’s history has been shaped by individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds, as stated by Villarruel: “We never forced our way of life on anyone, nor will we tolerate that someone tries to do the same to us.”

The lyrics mention that the France players are of Angolan descent, with roots from Nigeria and Cameroon, and contain a disrespectful remark about Kylian Mbappé.

One of Fernandez’s French teammates at Chelsea, Wesley Fofana, who is of African descent, described the video as “blatant racism.” France players Jules Koundé and Mike Maignan also posted critical comments regarding the incident in Argentina.

The chant originated from Argentina supporters in Qatar prior to the 2022 World Cup final match against France. Argentina emerged victorious through a penalty shootout following an exciting 3-3 draw.

Esteemed FIFA President Gianni Infantino has unequivocally emphasized the imperative for soccer and its 211 national federations to adopt an unwavering zero-tolerance stance against racism. In May, he demonstrated his unwavering commitment by pledging to reestablish a dedicated task force specifically designed to vigilantly monitor and address incidents of racism.

Argentina has maintained its position at the summit of the FIFA rankings since April 2023, further solidifying its dominance in international football. Meanwhile, France, previously occupying the second position, has experienced a setback due to its defeat against Spain in the semifinals of the European Championship.

Spain, the winner of Euro 2024, has ascended five positions to the third rank. England, the runner-up, has advanced one position, exchanging places with Brazil, which now holds the fifth position. Colombia, the Copa America’s second-place team, has risen three positions to ninth place.

Morocco currently holds the 14th position, having descended two spots from its previous ranking as Africa’s highest-ranked men’s team. Notably, the United States has experienced a decline of five positions, now occupying the 16th rank, just ahead of its regional rival, Mexico, within the CONCACAF region.

Japan is the highest-ranked Asian team, currently holding the 18th position.