Rosalía apologizes to Argentine fans at Buenos Aires concert over World Cup repost: 'Tremenda cagada'

The controversy

After Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final on July 19, Rosalía reposted a TikTok video by influencer Mia Khalifa that mocked the Argentine team. The clip featured Rosalía's song "La Perla" and used the Spanish slang "perla", a term for a problematic person, to describe Argentines. The post triggered a wave of criticism online, with some fans calling for a boycott of her upcoming Buenos Aires concerts. Rosalía deleted the post within hours and issued an apology on Instagram, writing "Mala mía" (my bad), but many felt it was insufficient.

The apology on stage

On Saturday, August 1, Rosalía opened the first of four scheduled shows at the Movistar Arena. After performing her opening songs "Sexo, violencia y llantas" and "Reliquia," she paused to address the controversy directly, about 20 minutes into the set. "I was scrolling, without really looking. And bam, I quickly reposted," she told the crowd of about 15,000. "Huge mistake. It was never my intention, really. I felt terrible about what happened."

I was scrolling, without really looking. And bam, I quickly reposted. Huge mistake. It was never my intention, really. I felt terrible about what happened.

She then recalled her first major international breakthrough at Lollapalooza Argentina in 2019, saying that moment helped shape her career. "My love for the country remains intact. I've always said you are the best audience on earth," she added, drawing prolonged applause.

Fan reaction

Before the concert, uncertainty hung in the air. Doors opened at 7 p.m., but the venue filled slowly, with many attendees debating whether to attend. Some told local media they were still upset ("I almost didn't come because I was offended"), while others predicted they would regret being too harsh. Once Rosalía appeared, however, the crowd erupted in cheers, chanting "Olé, olé, olé, Rosi, Rosi" and later her name for several minutes. The apology visibly moved the singer, who appeared with swollen eyes as if she had been crying. Despite the online boycott calls, the arena was full, and no mass ticket returns were evident.

The show continues

After the emotional exchange, the concert proceeded with the full Lux Tour production. Rosalía performed hits including "La Perla", which the audience sang along to, and "Reliquia," whose lyric "El cielo nació en Buenos Aires" drew an especially strong response. Argentine singer Ángela Torres joined as a guest during the "Confesionario" segment. Rosalía also surprised the crowd with an English rendition of "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and a piano performance of "Alfonsina y el mar," the classic popularized by Mercedes Sosa. The four Buenos Aires dates continue through early August.