[Saba Sports News] Recently, Argentine Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto slammed Spain’s way of celebrating after winning the World Cup in an interview. When asked about the sight of Spain jerseys everywhere throughout the World Cup, Colapinto stated bluntly: “They put on Spain jerseys overnight; they weren’t wearing them before. It’s embarrassing.” He did not hold back, adding that Spanish supporters “do not even have proper chants”, while Argentina’s fan groups have developed all kinds of highly creative songs. Furthermore, during a joint interview ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix alongside the two Spanish drivers Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, Colapinto revisited the topic of fan chants: “They are worthy champions… but I hope their chants can improve a little. They need to be more creative; they are quite dull.” Colapinto also said he disliked the rivalry sparked between the two nations by the tournament. “We are all Latin nations, and that is great, yet the differences between the two countries seem to be creating enemies. Messi played in Barcelona and brought us countless moments of joy, but now this has turned into something resembling a national conflict, and that is not a good thing.”
Colapinto is not the only Argentine to voice dissatisfaction with Spain’s celebrations, with many locals arguing that Spain’s revelry felt far too muted. On the Spanish side, however, many believe the divide mainly stems from different perspectives and cultural understandings, and this does nothing to dampen their enthusiasm for celebrating the triumph.