Argentina backlash over Cucurella celebration choice during Spanish parade

Spain celebrated its second men’s World Cup title on Monday as an estimated two million fans packed the streets of Madrid to welcome the newly crowned champions. The festivities ended with the squad taking the stage at Plaza de Cibeles, where each of the 26 players was introduced individually.

What song did Spain’s Cucurella pick?

One entrance, however, quickly became a talking point across Argentina.

Marc Cucurella walked onto the stage to Malbec, a hit by Argentine artists Duki and Bizarrap. Part of the song’s lyrics says: “I arrived in the city and they welcomed me like I was a boss... Today we’re celebrating because my team became champions.”

While the choice appeared to fit the celebratory mood, it was interpreted differently by some in Argentina. According to TyC Sports, the song was viewed as a dig at Argentina following Spain’s victory in the World Cup final, with the outlet suggesting it was intended as a way of mocking the defeated champions.

The reaction did not stop there.

Argentine media also highlighted a banner that was thrown toward Spain’s open-top bus during the parade. The sign called for a fight between Leandro Paredes and Gavi, referencing the heated confrontation between the two players after the final whistle in the World Cup final.

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Neither Cucurella nor any member of Spain’s squad has suggested the song selection or the banner carried any intention beyond the celebrations, but both moments have generated plenty of discussion on the other side of the Atlantic.

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