Rosalía Faces Backlash in Argentina After World Cup Social Media Post

Spanish singer Rosalía is facing significant public backlash in Argentina after sharing a video that appeared to mock the Argentine national football team’s defeat in a World Cup final.

The Origin of the Controversy

The dispute began when Rosalía shared a TikTok video created by Lebanese-American actress Mia Khalifa. In the clip, Khalifa celebrated Spain’s victory with a caption stating, “How life resonates now that the +perlas+ have been defeated,” set to the song “La Perla” by Rosalía. In Spanish slang, the term “perla” is often used to describe a person who is conflictual or troublesome.

Argentine fans perceived the share as a direct affront to the “Albiceleste” (the Argentine national team). Following the negative reaction, Rosalía deleted the post and posted an apology on Instagram on Wednesday. According to the singer’s statement, she shared the video without fully understanding the content of the message, asserting, “I have nothing but love for Argentina.”

Impact on Buenos Aires “Lux Tour” and Córdoba Events

The controversy coincides with the singer’s upcoming “Lux Tour” schedule, which includes four sold-out concerts in Buenos Aires. While the events remain high-demand, social media users have actively called for boycotts. Comments on the artist’s latest posts include fans claiming they have returned tickets or are requesting refunds for family members due to disappointment with the singer.

However, the financial impact on the main tour appears limited. Sources within the Buenos Aires concert organization told the AFP that the number of refund requests is “insignificant” compared to the 50,000 total tickets sold.

The fallout has been more severe for smaller engagements. A symphonic tribute concert dedicated to Rosalía, scheduled for Thursday at a museum in the province of Córdoba, was canceled. Organizers announced the cancellation in a formal statement, citing a high volume of “hate messages” received following the social media incident.

Summary of Current Status

• The Trigger: Sharing a TikTok video by Mia Khalifa referencing the defeat of the Argentine team.
• The Response: Rosalía issued a public apology on Instagram and deleted the content.
• The Consequences: A symphonic tribute in Córdoba was canceled; however, Buenos Aires tour dates remain largely sold out.
• The Scale: 50,000 tickets sold for the Buenos Aires leg, with organizers reporting minimal refund requests via AFP.