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Laura Esquivel Defends Post After Backlash Over Congratulating Spain

Her videos frame the post as an empathetic gesture that drew cross-border harassment.

Overview

  • Esquivel posted an Instagram story congratulating Spain after the World Cup final, a message that prompted an immediate wave of critical and often abusive comments.
  • She says most hostile replies came from users who do not normally follow her and from accounts outside Argentina rather than from her regular supporters.
  • In a series of videos published later she explained she had congratulated the winner out of sadness at what could be Lionel Messi's last World Cup and asked for greater civility online.
  • Esquivel reaffirmed her Argentine roots, saying she was born, raised and lives in Argentina, and reporters noted her Instagram reach of roughly 787,000 followers and ongoing media coverage.
  • The episode highlights how high emotions around the final heighten social‑media sensitivity, shows how cross‑border trolling can target public figures, and could discourage celebrities from posting conciliatory messages after major sporting losses.