Rosalía faces backlash in Argentina after World Cup social media post

Friday 24 July 2026 - 09:16

By: Sahili Aya

Rosalía faces backlash in Argentina after World Cup social media post

Spanish singer Rosalía has become the focus of online criticism in Argentina after sharing a social media video celebrating Spain's victory over the Argentine national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The controversy has emerged just days before the artist is due to begin a series of sold-out performances in Buenos Aires.

The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media, with some Argentine users calling for a boycott of the singer ahead of the first of her four scheduled concerts in the capital.

Shared video triggers criticism

The backlash followed Rosalía's repost of a TikTok video created by Lebanese-American media personality Mia Khalifa. The clip celebrated Spain's World Cup triumph and included the message, "How life resonates now that the 'perlas' have been defeated," accompanied by Rosalía's song La Perla.

Many social media users in Argentina interpreted the message as disrespectful toward the national football team, known as La Albiceleste. In colloquial Spanish, the word perla can be used to describe someone viewed as troublesome or difficult, leading some critics to see the wording as an insult directed at Argentine players or supporters.

Tour proceeds amid online debate

The controversy comes at a sensitive moment for the Spanish artist, whose Lux Tour is set to begin in Buenos Aires in just over a week. All four scheduled concerts have reportedly sold out, underscoring Rosalía's popularity in the Argentine market despite the recent online dispute.

While criticism has circulated widely across social platforms, there has been no indication that the performances will be affected.

Social media amplifies sporting rivalries

The episode highlights how reactions to major international sporting events can quickly spill over into the entertainment industry, particularly when high-profile public figures engage with celebratory or provocative online content.

As global artists increasingly interact with fans through social media, even seemingly informal posts can generate significant public attention, especially when they intersect with national sporting pride and emotionally charged events such as the FIFA World Cup.