Bardem clarifies Milei comments, denies calling Argentina xenophobic

Actor Javier Bardem has released a video statement clarifying his recent comments about Argentina and the 2026 World Cup final, after backlash and misinformation spread online. Bardem emphasized that his criticism was directed at President Javier Milei, not the Argentine people or the national team.

The original interview

In an interview with Zeteo's Mehdi Hasan after Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final, Bardem said that Milei's vocal support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—whom Bardem called a "criminal of war"—created an atmosphere where neutral spectators leaned toward Spain. He noted that "having a president like Milei supporting a genocide and being proud of it" added weight to the match Source: Clarin - lavozar.

The backlash and clarification

Bardem's comments were misrepresented on social media, with claims that he accused Argentine players of being genocide accomplices or called Argentina a racist country. In his video, Bardem firmly denied this: "Lo que nunca he dicho y nunca diría es si Argentina es un país xenófobo o racista o no sé qué leches" Source: El Mundo. He stressed that Milei "no representa ni mucho menos a la gran mayoría de argentinos" Source: Infobae.

Bardem's admiration for Argentina

Beyond the political controversy, Bardem praised Argentina as a "inspiration" for its human rights record, particularly the justice process for victims of the military dictatorship—something he said Spain has not achieved Source: CNN Español. He expressed deep gratitude and respect for Argentine culture and many Argentine friends in his life Source: El País.

Bardem's clarification comes amid broader tensions, with singer Rosalía also apologizing for a social media post that angered some Argentine fans Source: Infobae - clarin.