The arrival of the Argentine national team in Santiago was anything but peaceful. Amid insults and shoving, Argentine and Chilean fans found themselves in heated confrontations just meters away from the footballers. As the charter plane carrying the Argentine squad touched down at the Arturo Merino Benítez Airport around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Lionel Messi and his teammates exited the terminal through the civilian area, sparking controversy.
Initially, media outlets in Argentina accused the Chilean National Association of Football (ANFP) of disregarding FIFA protocol, suggesting that the leadership under Pablo Milad could face substantial fines. Reacting swiftly, the president of Chilean football contacted Claudio Tapia, the head of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), expressing concerns over the exposed position in which the Argentine delegation found themselves after using the civilian zone. Both the ANFP and the Chilean Football Federation (FFCh) publicly distanced themselves from any responsibility in this matter.
At the National Stadium, officials emphasized their compliance with protocols and dismissed any conflicts or breaches. Felipe de Pablo, the Security and Operations Manager, emphasized, “
Fueron trascendidos por parte de un medio. No tenemos ningún reclamo de AFA. En nuestro caso, los protocolos se cumplieron. Hicimos una reunión en el consulado, invitamos a gente de AFA. Argentina no ha generado reclamo. Se cumplió, la escolta estaba
,” in an interview with El Deportivo. He also revealed that the AFA had conducted an advance airport visit two weeks prior.
The FFCh reiterated its commitment to facilitating the needs of visiting teams, including the Argentine national team, during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the 2026 tournament in the United States. Despite initial tensions and media speculation, the ANFP stood firm in its assurance that all necessary measures had been taken to ensure a smooth arrival and stay for the Argentine squad in Santiago.
The incident highlighted the delicate balance in managing high-profile international football events and the intricacies of protocol adherence. While media scrutiny and fan reactions can amplify misunderstandings, clear communication and cooperation between football associations are essential to prevent such incidents from escalating into formal disputes or affecting the spirit of sportsmanship.
In conclusion, the swift response and transparent communication by the ANFP and the FFCh helped dispel potential conflicts, showcasing the importance of effective coordination and mutual respect among football governing bodies. As teams continue to travel for international fixtures, maintaining professionalism and adherence to established protocols will be paramount in fostering positive relations and ensuring the smooth operation of competitive events.
