Mascherano defended Enzo: ‘Argentines are not racist’

Argentina U23 coach Javier Mascherano spoke to the media during the training camp. The ‘Jefecito’ is preparing for the Olympic Games in Paris, where he will make his debut on 24 July against Morocco.

The coach spoke about the controversial video of Enzo Fernandez and the racist chants against the French: "If there's one thing we Argentines are not, it's racist, far from it."

"I think everything has been taken out of context. If there is one thing we are as a country, it is inclusive. People from all over the world live in Argentina and we treat them as they should be treated," he added.

He also referred directly to Enzo Fernandez, one of the most exposed names: "I know Enzo, he's a great guy and he has no problem with that. What happens is that many times in a celebration you can take a part of a video and take it out of context."

"You have to understand the culture of each country and know that sometimes what we perceive as a joke can be misinterpreted in other places. Enzo also made it known on social media that he apologised. Sometimes people try to make things much bigger than they are," he said.