France-Argentina: “Of course that worries me!” Why an electric atmosphere is feared this Friday evening at the Stade de France

France-Argentina, new international duel under high tension? In recent years, several confrontations between these two great sporting nations have been marked by tensions. Exacerbated clashes between players, boos from the public, whistled anthems… The atmosphere at the Stade de France, this Friday, November 22, during the duel between the XV of France and the Pumas (third and final match of the fall tour), will be therefore scrutinized carefully.

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“Of course it worries me!” said Florian Grill, president of the French Rugby Federation, as relayed by our colleagues from The Team. Originally? The confrontation between French and Argentinians for the title of world football champion, December 18, 2022 in Lusail (Qatar).

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Lionel Messi's teammates won on penalties, after an electric scenario. In the wake of their success, the Albiceleste players, from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to midfielder Enzo Fernandez, were upset, even singing a racist chant targeting Kylian Mbappé.

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During the Olympic Games in France, the Argentinian football selections but also, more surprisingly, rugby sevens were whistled by the French public. “It was too much during the Olympics,” remembers the former Castres Olympique player, Benjamin Urdapilleta, to our colleagues. “I heard these whistles on TV as soon as an Argentinian entered the field. I love France, I love the French, and hearing them whistle the Argentinian anthem, it hurt me.”

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“I’m not expecting that for Friday’s match,” however, tempers his compatriot Mauricio Reggiardo, coach of Provence Rugby. “Many Argentines play in the French championship, the players know each other very well, respect each other, are friends. There is a sporting rivalry, of course. We are Latins, but I can't imagine any excesses.”