Here’s Why Rosalía Is Apologizing to Argentine Fans Following Spain’s World Cup Victory

"I only have love for Argentina," the Spanish singer said.

Jul 22, 2026 - 18:22

Here’s Why Rosalía Is Apologizing to Argentine Fans Following Spain’s World Cup Victory

Rosalía is facing backlash from her Argentine fans following Spain’s victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After the European country defeated Argentina in the final match on July 19 in New Jersey, the Spanish singer-songwriter reposted a reel to her Instagram Stories from social media personality Mia Khalifa that offended many of the musician’s Latin American followers.

In the since-deleted Story that’s still available on Khalifa’s Instagram account, the Lebanese-American influencer is lip-synching to Rosalía’s “La Perla,” a song that describes a toxic and narcissistic ex. “How life sounds now that the perlas have been defeated,” Khalifa, who publicly rooted for Spain during the World Cup, wrote in the clip.

Immediately after reposting, Rosalía — who’s set to take her LUX World Tour to Buenos Aires’ Movistar Arena on Aug. 1 — offered an apology.

“I shared it because ‘La Perla’ was playing and I didn’t even read what it said. My bad, I’m sorry,” the artist shared in her first Instagram Story, which featured Argentina’s flag, on Wednesday (Aug. 22). She added in the second: “I only have love for Argentina.”

Rosalía’s mea culpa comes after a wave of Argentine fans flooded her comments on social media, saying that they were going to return the tickets or not attend her upcoming concert in the South American country.

“The apology came 24 hours late. I don’t think it’s valid,” wrote one user. “If there is no respect for my country, there is no audience for these artists.” Another added, “Argentina neither forgets nor forgives.”

Billboard has reached out to Rosalía team for comment.

However, other fans came to the star’s defense, saying that she’s more than welcomed in their country. Noted one: “Are you seriously going to bully her… have you never made a mistake?”