The intersection of sports and politics is a long and often fraught one. Throughout history, political figures have sought to align themselves with successful athletes, hoping to bask in the reflected glory of their achievements. This dynamic, as observed for decades, isn’t modern. As Argentine boxer José María Gatica famously quipped to President Juan Domingo Perón during a meeting at Luna Park in the 1950s, after a victorious fight, “two powers greet each other.” The boxer, perhaps unintentionally, downplayed the political implications of the encounter, highlighting the inherent complexities of such interactions.
There are moments when athletes find themselves in unavoidable proximity to political interests. The 1978 FIFA World Cup, held in Argentina under a brutal military junta, stands as a stark example. The governing military regime presented the winning team with the trophy, a moment forever tainted by the regime’s human rights abuses. And often, despite appearances, many footballers remain largely unaware of the broader political landscape surrounding them, focused primarily on the game itself.
Many players from the 1978 Argentine national team later stated they were unaware of the torture, murders, and kidnappings perpetrated by the military dictatorship at the time. This claim, while controversial, underscores a degree of detachment. When players from Huracán were invited by the Secretary of Human Rights to visit the ESMA (a notorious detention center), they reportedly confessed their ignorance of the atrocities committed within its walls, expressing the same horror as the rest of the population upon learning the truth.
Yet, there are exceptions. Figures like Diego Maradona, Éric Cantona, Carlos Caszely, Sócrates, and Rubén Rossi, along with others documented in Quique Peinado’s book, “Futbolistas de Izquierda” (“Left-Wing Footballers”), actively engaged with political issues. These players, however, often faced silencing and marginalization. Unless they were major stars, they had limited opportunities to voice their opinions without repercussions.
Conversely, athletes who align with dominant political ideologies are frequently sought after for their opinions and lauded for their “sensibility.” This creates a system where those from humble backgrounds, the very demographic that often fuels the world of football, can be subtly encouraged to emulate the values of the elite, even as they remain excluded from true acceptance within those circles. As Marcos Roitman observed, money doesn’t guarantee access to the status they aspire to.
Distinguishing Intent and Impact
It’s crucial to differentiate between athletes who are unwittingly used for political purposes and those who actively participate in such arrangements. The latter is particularly troubling. Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, alongside legends like Di Stéfano, Pelé, Cruyff, and Maradona, has brought joy to fans worldwide with his extraordinary talent. He, like anyone, is entitled to his own political beliefs.
However, recent appearances alongside Mas Canosa, described as a member of international mafia organizations, and Donald Trump, a controversial figure whose policies have been widely criticized internationally, have sparked outrage. Trump, in particular, has been accused of endangering global stability through aggressive foreign policy and threats of war. For many football fans, witnessing Messi alongside these figures felt like a jarring betrayal, a disconnect from the joy and inspiration his play typically provides.
The context of these appearances is significant. Messi didn’t appear alongside these individuals in a casual setting; he was photographed with two figures widely considered to be among the most problematic of our time. Whether he was compelled to participate or acted with full awareness remains unknown. But the impact is undeniable.
As one commentator succinctly put it: “QUÉ LÁSTIMA, MESSI” – What a shame, Messi.
The situation raises broader questions about the responsibilities of public figures and the potential consequences of their associations. While athletes are not politicians, their influence extends far beyond the sporting arena. Their choices, even seemingly innocuous ones, can have a profound impact on their fans and the wider world.
The incident serves as a reminder that even the most celebrated individuals are not immune to the complexities of political influence. It highlights the delicate balance between personal freedom and public responsibility, and the enduring challenge of navigating the intersection of sports and politics.
Messi’s next competitive match is scheduled for March 12th against Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. The game, set to kick off at 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM ET), will be closely watched not only for its sporting significance but also for any potential statements or actions from Messi in light of the recent controversy. Fans and observers alike will be looking to see how he addresses the situation and whether he will offer any explanation for his association with Canosa and Trump.
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