Nico Bolzico addresses backlash over supporting Argentina in FIFA: 'Never a reason to spread hatred toward anyone'
Nico Bolzico has broken his silence after receiving online hate for supporting his home team, Argentina, during the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2026.
In an Instagram post, the Argentine businessman and content creator looked back on the joy of watching football with his 83-year-old father and shared how his six-year-old daughter, Thylane, was able to make sense of the tournament's events.
Toward the end of his post, Bolzico addressed the backlash he faced online, which he deemed unfair.
“Sadly, for the first time, we've experienced genuine hate on social media simply because of the team we support, mostly from people who don't understand what sports truly represent or the values we believe in,” he wrote.
While he acknowledged that football involves playful teasing, Bolzico stressed that hatred has no place in the sport.
“Banter is part of football. Hate is not,” Bolzico said.
“We love football. It runs through our veins. But we should never forget that it's just a sport—a sport that's meant to bring people together,” he added.
"I agree with many of the criticisms. But that's never a reason to spread hatred toward anyone," Bolzico continued, acknowledging issues hounding the Argentina team.
Despite Argentina’s loss in this year's World Cup, he went on to praise Spain for its performance.
“Spain was the better team throughout the match and fully deserved to be champions,” he wrote.
“Enhorabuena, hermanos. y gracias Capitan @LeoMessi,” he concluded, which translates to: “Congratulations, brothers, and thank you, Captain Leo Messi.”
According to The Guardian, Argentina has faced criticism over racist fan behavior, longstanding rivalry with Brazil and other nations, and allegations that FIFA has favored the team.
Bolzico married Filipino-French actress Solenn Heusaff in France in May 2016 after five years of being in a relationship. The couple welcomed their first child, Thylane Katana, in January 2020 and their second, Maëlys Lionel, in December 2022.
