The Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinmann generated a strong controversy on social networks after his statements considered offensive towards the Mexican people went viral. In his radio program, Feinmann said: “I hate Mexicans, the envy that Mexicans have of Argentines, they want to be like us.” The phrases unleashed widespread rejection in both Mexico and Argentina, including the Argentine community living in Mexican territory.
The football rivalry between both countries has escalated in recent years beyond sports. Public figures like Feinmann, instead of promoting unity, often fuel confrontation with comments that cross the line of discrimination.
Apologies on air
Faced with public pressure, Feinmann recanted live during her show. “I made a comment that angered millions of Mexicans and they are right to be angry with me,” he said. And he added: “It was not a xenophobic comment, nor a message of hate, we were talking about football.”
The communicator also noted: “If any Mexican felt that my words were reaching them personally, I want to tell them that that was not the meaning of what I said.” In his attempt to calm the controversy, he stated that he does not feel contempt for the Mexican people and that he spoke from sporting passion.
The apologies failed to completely dissipate the unrest on social networks. Several users pointed out that xenophobia disguised as “football passion” should not be normalized, while others considered Feinmann’s gesture sufficient. The debate about the limits of sports rivalry remains open.
