Lionel Messi has been slammed for his silence on Argentina's recent racism saga, with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner accused of not caring about the black players he has previously played with in his career.
The Albiceleste's racism scandal continues to make the news across various platforms, with the Argentine Football Association having remained mum on the issue despite widespread outrage from several parts of the world.
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At the centre of it all is Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez, who recorded an Instagram live video of himself and his teammates singing derogatory chants after winning a second successive Copa America title earlier this month.
The offensive chant was aimed at French players who have African lineage, while it is also reported that some parts of the chants are also specifically targeted at Kylian Mbappe.
FIFA has since confirmed it has opened an investigation into the matter, but this did not prevent Argentina's vice-president Victoria Villarruel from blasting France and labelling them as "colonialists".
Messi, who was not with the rest of the squad when they were singing the chants on the team bus, has not yet publicly stated anything on the matter, despite being the captain of the reigning FIFA World Cup champions.
His silence has now been condemned by former England striker Carlton Cole, who has insisted that Messi is "selfish".
"We've got to look at Messi and you say, you know what, Messi, come out," the ex-Chelsea and West Ham United marksman told talkSPORT.
"We need to hear you. I need you to come out. You've got to speak up about this. Because this is more than just Enzo. Messi is the main guy there. He's the captain. He needs to come out and say something about this behaviour.
"Otherwise, it's just like he doesn't care. He doesn't care how I feel, he doesn't care how some of his black teammates he's had in the past feel.
"That just shows me that he's selfish. He needs to come out and say something.
"I condemn him. That's it, simple. I condemn Messi."
In the same broadcast, the BBC's South American football correspondent Tim Vickery added: "That's the job as a captain, isn't it?
"If you're the captain, you've got to lead. If there was ever a need for leadership, it's right here, right now, with Argentina.
"So the ball's in his court, there's been nothing so far, and that's bad. Please, please step up, Messi. The world is looking at you to do that."
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Fernandez has apologised for the matter, but things have taken yet another sinister turn as fans of his former club River Plate singing the same chant during their game against Lanus on Sunday while the Chelsea midfielder was in attendance in the stands.
As the controversy of the chant sung by Enzo Fernandez and other Argentina players against French players continues, River Plate (Enzo's boyhood club) fans are now singing it at their home ground El Monumental during their game against Lanus. pic.twitter.com/H1zK0PMd97
— Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) July 21, 2024