Samuel L. Jackson ignited backlash over the weekend after posting on his Instagram Story, urging Black fans not to support Argentina’s national soccer team and branding the country as "historically" racist. The post came hours after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, July 20, 2026.

The message, originally from the SEC Black Alumni Network, included an AI-generated image of Jackson’s "Django Unchained" character Stephen, photoshopped into an Argentina jersey—a reference to the character’s role as a Black overseer loyal to his white enslaver. The post stated, "Argentina has historically been one of, if not the most racist countries in the world," and added, "If you are a Black person cheering for Argentina, this is what you look like to me."

The World Cup final saw Ferran Torres score the winning goal for Spain in the 106th minute. Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez was sent off with a second yellow card in stoppage time, and the team failed to register a single shot on target during the entire 120 minutes.

Some commentators responded by highlighting Argentina’s more complex historical record, citing the 1813 Free Womb Law, which freed children born to enslaved mothers, and the country’s long-standing tradition of welcoming immigrants.

The Washington Times report noted FIFA condemned racist abuse during the tournament, including an incident where an Argentine supporter told a Black American livestreamer to "cry at the zoo." It also referenced a documented history of monkey gestures and chants aimed at Brazilian players by some Argentine fans.

Following the final whistle, FIFA opened a disciplinary investigation into a brawl involving Argentina’s Leandro Paredes, who appeared to grab Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat before players began shoving and tripping each other.

Historians estimate that approximately 5,000 Nazi officials and collaborators resettled in Argentina after World War II under President Juan Peron, more than any other South American nation.

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