Argentina responds after Samuel L. Jackson labels it 'one of the most racist countries in world'

Argentinian locals are defending themselves after being hit with allegations of racism following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The country's football team and its fans have been criticised for their behaviour throughout the tournament, including Sunday's (19 July) final which saw them lose 1-0 to Spain before a brawl kicked off.

Among the country's critics has been A-list actor Samuel L Jackson, 77, who took to social media on Sunday night to urge Black people not to support Argentina.

The post he shared, created by the SEC Black Alumni Network, suggested that Argentina has 'historically been one of, if not the most, racist countries in the world'.

Jackson's post sparked massive debate online, with Argentinians flooding the Django Unchained actor's Instagram with disappointed comments.

Now, Argentinian locals are speaking out in defence of their country, claiming that they've been grossly misunderstood.

Samuel L Jackson hit out at Argentina during the World Cup final. (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

'They confuse arrogance with pride'

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Buenos Aires resident Leo Simone said: "I think we deserve some credit for not being very well-liked, because of this tendency to be arrogant and look down on most people from a pedestal."

His wife, who preferred not to give her name, added: "They confuse arrogance with pride."

The publication also spoke to Maximiliano Heredia, 35, who commented: "We've always been criticised, we're used to it. But we always give it our all."

Some Argentinians have suggested that the style of mockery and provocation that they are used to simply doesn't translate well.

Evelio Rubio, 47, a Venezuelan who has lived in Argentina for the past decade suggested it was impossible for people outside the country to understand how 'football is experienced here'.

Some Argentinians have suggested that the style of mockery and provocation that they are used to simply doesn't translate well. (Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP via Getty Images)

Labels that have 'come from colonising countries that have not yet fully resolved the issue of racism'

Similarly sports journalist Ezequiel Fernandez Moores told AFP: "We can't expect the world to understand us, our way of being, feeling, and expressing ourselves."

Though he did admit: "Sometimes we think we're the centre of the universe, that God and our own navel are Argentine."

Speaking to Al Jazeera about accusations of racism made against Argentinian society as a whole following the World Cup tournament, Sociologist Ivan Schuliaquer said that, while racism should never be denied, 'in many cases, these labels come from colonising countries that have not yet fully resolved the issue of racism'.

What were the racism allegations that were made against Argentinians during the World Cup?

Earlier on in the 2026 World Cup, some Argentinian football fans were accused of racism during matches.

In one instance, FIFA launched an investigation into allegations of racist abuse against streamer and influencer IShowSpeed.

Argentina lost to Spain in the World Cup Final on Sunday (Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The 21-year-old shared footage to his YouTube channel from Argentina's game against Cape Verde, during which he wore a Cape Verde jersey.

Commenting on the incident soon after, a statement from FIFA read: "FIFA was made aware of an incident involving a supporter and #IShowSpeed at Miami Stadium during the Argentina vs Cabo Verde match on 3 July 2026 and immediately initiated an investigation."

Criticism of the team and their fans came to a head at the World Cup Final on Sunday (19 July) when a 'disgraceful' fight broke out on the pitch after the final whistle was blown.

FIFA has since issued a statement to confirm they have opened an investigation into the 'violent conduct'.