By Alfredo Di Cesare
01 Jul 2024, 1:22 PM EDT
The elimination of Mexico and Chile in the group stage of the Copa América 2024 has been the talk and enjoyment of the Argentine press this Monday. A cruel mockery of both countries went viral through social networks, alluding to the fact that they could cross paths at the airport.
It was the well-known media outlet TyC Sports that was responsible for this meme that has spread like wildfire. In the post, there are photographs of Mexican and Chilean players lamenting each other. Below, the controversial phrase can be read: “They could cross paths… but at the airport.” In addition, a text reads: “High-flying crossing. Have a good trip,” confirming the irony.
The post was funny and several Internet users applauded the creativity of the media outlet, which continued to mock the situation with another post. A photo of a Mexican soccer player between the goal nets and with his head down was used with the “pi, pi, pi, pi, pi,” the cry of El Chavo del 8, a character of the late Mexican actor, producer and comedian Roberto Gómez Bolaños.
This is not the first time during this 2024 Copa América that the Argentine press has gone all out against El Tri and published mockery that generated controversy on social media. In Mexico’s debut against Jamaica, Diario Olé shared a post with a photo of Mexican fans at the NRG Stadium and a controversial headline that unleashed the fury of Internet users and harsh responses.
The headline of the image read “Mexico fans shouted “ooole” at Jamaica when it was 0-0.” So far it seems to be informative. However, in the writing of the post they added: “I said they ended up winning.” The post ended up encouraging mockery and confrontation towards Aztec sympathizers.
Why does the Argentine press make fun of Mexico so much?
The reason for this phenomenon can be broken down into three main characteristics. The first would be the great rivalry between the two nations that increased in the World Cup in Qatar with that controversy of Messi stepping on a Tri shirt and the subsequent victory of the Albiceleste in the group stage.
Secondly, proximity. The duel between Mexico and Ecuador would be Argentina’s direct rival for the quarter-finals, which is why the media in this country followed the outcome of this match and the activity of the entire group in general very closely.
The third factor can be attributed to some Mexican media outlets that have harshly criticized Messi from Qatar. That, plus the fact that when the groups were drawn, several well-known journalists and analysts said that it would be an easy group for Mexico.
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