Full Breakdown
Rosalía Backlash in Argentina Over World Cup Post
7/24/2026, 1:57:41 PM
Backlash Ignites After World Cup Post
On July 23, Spanish singer Rosalía reposted an Instagram-story video created by influencer Mia Khalifa that used her song “La Perla” to mock Argentina’s loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The repost, which did not include any explanatory text, was interpreted by Argentine users as a direct jab at the national team. Within hours, thousands of users launched a boycott campaign targeting the four concerts Rosalía has scheduled in August at Buenos Aires’ Movistar Arena.
Background & Context
The World Cup final, held earlier in July, ended with Spain defeating Argentina. “La Perla” contains the lyric describing a “pearl” as a selfish, immature, and troublesome person, a line that many Argentine fans linked to the national squad. Rosalía’s sharing of the video without comment amplified the perception of mockery, prompting a wave of criticism across social-media platforms.
Official Statements & Responses
Organizers of the “Rosalía in Concert-Symphonic Ensemble” at Córdoba’s Metropolitan Museum of Urban Art subsequently announced the event’s cancellation, citing concerns over potential violence. The museum’s official social-media account confirmed the tribute would not take place.
On-the-Ground Reports
Argentine streamers, podcasters and digital hosts targeted the singer with offensive remarks during live broadcasts, including homophobic insults. One host, Sofi of *La Trinchera Stream*, urged listeners who could not obtain refunds to boycott the shows by singing songs of the Argentine duo La T y La M. The backlash extended beyond Rosalía; other international artists who expressed support for Spain—such as Dua Lipa, Zara Larsson and Halsey—also faced online criticism from Argentine fans.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm tired of people treating us like idiots. I hope those who can't return their tickets and end up going to the concerts boycott her show by singing every song by La T y La M,” — Sofi
