Hatred evident in virtual arguments between Argentina and Brazil supporters

Argentina's journey could have started in 2014. Losing to Germany extended the disappointment instead. Before defeating the Albiceleste in the World Cup final, Germany had demolished Brazil in the semifinals. The 7-1 thrashing left Brazilian fans heartbroken, but Argentina's final loss was arguably even more painful. The 2014 World Cup was a chapter of disappointment for both Latin American countries. To overcome that disappointment, Argentina has reorganized their team over time, while Brazil has seemingly lost their past glory. Nonetheless, the 2021 Copa America final brought Brazil and Argentina face-to-face again.

In the "Super Clasico," Ángel Di María's only goal led Argentina to a triumphant victory over Brazil. Brazil had to endure the defeat in front of their home crowd at Maracanã Stadium, a venue marked by tragedy since 1950. The circle that began with the Copa America title at Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro could have ended at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium via Qatar's Lusail Stadium. Colombia, with their 28-match unbeaten record, could not halt the Albiceleste's relentless journey. Argentina completed a remarkable cycle of "Copa-World Cup-Copa," justifying their supporters' enthusiasm. Despite recent shortcomings, Brazilian fans are equally passionate and unwilling to concede any ground in the rivalry.

Fans are exchanging barbs, with one side throwing stones and the other retaliating with bricks. As time passes, the frenzy among Argentina and Brazil supporters in the country grows. Sometimes it escalates beyond limits, turning football support into hostility. This intensifies during global mega-events like the Copa America and the World Cup. Although no incidents of violence have been reported around this year's Copa America, supporters of both teams are openly expressing disrespect and hatred on social media. Brazil's early exit from the semifinals after losing to Uruguay has only fueled more ridicule.

On July 9, an Argentina supporter named Md. Iman Hossain wrote on Facebook, "Brazil hasn't been knocked out of the tournament yet. They will keep coming back through Canada, Colombia, and Uruguay." His jab was clear—whichever team Argentina faces, Brazil's supporters will root for them. Another user, Kazi Robin, posted, "I want to watch a friendly match between Brazil and Debidwar Government Primary School." This jibe stemmed from Brazil's lackluster performance. Brazilian sports journalist Shamsur Rahman wrote on his verified Facebook page, "As a Brazil supporter, I must say, this team is playing terribly. They don't deserve to win the Copa! Who knows what they'll do in the World Cup!"

After Brazil's quarter-final loss to Uruguay, an expatriate Argentina supporter named SH Mamun wrote on Facebook, "Brazil is lucky that Uruguay saved them. Otherwise, Colombia's James Rodríguez alone would have...!" Following Brazil's defeat, Firoz Ahmed Suman wrote, "My deepest sympathies to the grieving Brazil family supporters." Focusing on Brazil's diplomatic aspect, Parvez Avi brought up the issue of Brazil's free trade announcement with Palestine. Mocking Brazilian supporters, Al Shahriar Rubel wrote, "Don't be disheartened, brothers. Trust in Spain. You still have Spain on your side." He was alluding to the Finalissima, where the Euro champion Spain would face the Copa champion Argentina.

Argentina, having played in the 2014 World Cup final, won the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The latest addition to their success cabinet is the recently concluded Copa America. Given their current good fortune, Lionel Messi and his team are not facing much ridicule on social media. However, debates among supporters of both teams continue incessantly in tea stalls, educational institutions, and offices, sometimes exceeding the limits of healthy arguments.

Why is there such visible disrespect and personal attacks surrounding Brazil, 16,000 kilometers away, and Argentina, 17,000 kilometers away from Bangladesh? This question was posed to Nusrat Sharmin, a senior research officer at the Bangladesh Institute of Sports Education (BKSP) and a sports psychologist. She replied, "Sports are connected to a country's culture. As a nation, we are emotional. We often don't understand where to express that emotion and where to control it. Brazil and Argentina supporters might be overly emotional, which often causes their behavior and language to exceed normal limits."

Victory and defeat in sports have always existed and will continue to do so. After almost every game, players and officials of both teams are seen shaking hands and often hugging each other, strengthening the bond of brotherhood. However, this bond of brotherhood is rarely seen among Argentina and Brazil supporters in Bangladesh. Instead, it is filled with hatred and vengeance. When asked if this lack of mutual respect is causing the issue, Nusrat Sharmin said, "Mutual respect reduces the risk of complications in any task. The discussion here again revolves around emotions. We often become uncontrollably emotional, and that's where the problem lies."

Argentina tops the FIFA world rankings. Since winning the Qatar World Cup, Lionel Scaloni's team has maintained the top spot. Brazil is in fourth place. Outside of Argentina and Brazil, the ranking is dominated by European teams. Apart from Argentina and Brazil, the top ten only include European teams. According to Transfermarkt.com, the most valuable team is not Argentina or Brazil. England tops the list with a team value of £1.52 billion. Brazil is second with £1.27 billion. Argentina is in eighth place with a value of £805 million.

These are mere numerical calculations and are not enough to explain the global popularity of the two Latin American countries. Brazil and Argentina have fans all over the world, but the level of trolling and aggression among supporters in Bangladesh is rarely seen in other countries. Many of those who display a belligerent attitude towards Brazil and Argentina do not follow global football closely throughout the year. They become active during specific tournaments, particularly the World Cup and Copa America. Masum Sarkar, a resident of Narayanganj Sadar Upazila, is known as a staunch Brazil supporter.

This football enthusiast, who has been following the game since the 1980s, commented on the noisy supporters surrounding specific tournaments, "In Bangladesh, both Brazil and Argentina have a huge number of seasonal fans who become vocal during Copa America and World Cup seasons. Their noise reaches such a level that it becomes difficult to enjoy the beauty of football! Yet, they remain dormant throughout the year. Football is a pure form of entertainment, but some overly enthusiastic fans in our country are ruining it. One side is at war with the other, leading to personal attacks, which is undesirable in any form of pure entertainment like sports."

The fierce rivalry on the field between Brazil and Argentina is not reflected in the social media popularity of their stars. Lionel Messi of Argentina has 433 million followers on Instagram. Brazil's most popular footballer, Neymar, has 204 million followers on the same platform. Messi ranks third in popularity among Instagram users, just one spot below Cristiano Ronaldo (551 million). According to Forbes' May report, Brazil lags behind Argentina in terms of the world's highest-earning athletes. Messi, 36, earns $65 million on the field and $70 million off the field.

With a total income of $135 million, the Argentine captain ranks third among the highest-earning athletes. Golfer Jon Rahm ($218 million) is in second place. Cristiano Ronaldo ($260 million) tops the list. Neymar, with an income of $108 million, is in seventh place. The rivalry between Brazil and Argentina in terms of social media followers or earnings may be unequal, but it does not affect the on-field game and the fans' battles. That always reaches a different level.

Mahbub Sarkar: Sports Journalist and Analyst.