Overview
- In an interview that circulated widely this week, Las Leonas forward Victoria Granatto questioned the emphasis teammates gave to Lionel Messi’s congratulatory message and said she wanted to highlight hockey’s own historic figures.
- The clip went viral and provoked heavy online criticism and threats, prompting Granatto to set her personal Instagram account to private to limit attacks.
- Granatto published a written clarification saying one phrase was “absolutely taken out of context,” that she admires Messi, and that her intent was to honor past hockey icons such as Luciana Aymar and Mercedes Margalot.
- María José “Majo” Granatto, the team captain and Victoria’s sister, posted public messages praising Messi and explicitly asked not to be drawn into the controversy as a way to calm public reaction.
- The episode briefly diverted attention from Las Leonas’ recent World Cup victory and highlights how clipped interviews, rapid viral spread and media commentary can create reputational and safety problems for athletes and their team; expect further focus on how the players and federation handle communications going forward.