Chile faced a tough defeat against Argentina on Thursday night, losing 1-0, which leaves their hopes of qualifying for the upcoming World Cup hanging by a thread. One of the most scrutinized players in this match was Arturo Vidal.
The veteran midfielder, who served as captain, struggled throughout the game and received a yellow card for an unnecessary foul on Rodrigo De Paul. Consequently, coach Ricardo Gareca substituted him during halftime.
In light of the criticism directed at him, Vidal took to social media to express his feelings. He posted a video featuring highlights of himself in the match against Argentina, stating, “There is no greater pride than wearing this jersey. I left everything on the field, just as I promised when I first donned it at 18. I may not be that young player anymore, but my love for this team remains intact. There are no excuses, no negative responses. I have always been and will always be available for La Roja and my country. I will fight for every ball as if it’s the last, as I have throughout my career.”
His teammate at Colo Colo, Lucas Cepeda, praised him, calling him “the best,” while Alexis Sánchez also came to his defense in a press conference. Sánchez emphasized that he has known Arturo since he was 16 years old and believes Vidal remains a valuable asset for the national team, highlighting his supportive role in the locker room for younger players.
In a controversial moment during the match, a banner in the stands read, “Rest easy, my children,” referencing a post that Vidal shared in 2017 when Chile was trying to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. In that earlier instance, he had shared a photo of his sleeping children, saying, “Rest easy, my children. Dad needs to work and bring Chile to the World Cup.” Unfortunately, the national team ultimately failed to qualify for the tournament.
Following Argentina’s recent victory, the media outlet TyC Sports shared an image of the banner mocking Vidal, which garnered thousands of likes, including one from Marcelo Díaz. Despite their history of playing together in the national team, Díaz’s relationship with Vidal has reportedly been strained. In the past, Díaz mentioned his willingness to resolve their differences, expressing a desire to speak with Vidal but encountered a lack of response from him.
This challenging moment for Vidal showcases the pressures athletes face, both on and off the field, particularly when national pride is at stake. It remains to be seen how the Chilean team will bounce back from this defeat and whether they can reignite their hopes for future competitions. Despite the current challenges, the support from teammates like Cepeda and Sánchez highlights the importance of solidarity within the team as they aim to overcome obstacles moving forward.