The American YouTuber who earned Argentine anger after the match against Egypt
IShowSpeed, an American streamer who is a fan of Ronaldo, angered Argentine fans after uploading a video bothering Messi during the penalty against Egypt
Argentina lived an afternoon of suffering and relief in Atlanta. The National Team started losing 2-0 against Egypt, Lionel Messi missed a penalty and the game seemed to be heading towards a historic elimination. But Lionel Scaloni's team reacted in the final stretch and won 3-2 to reach the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup.
In the middle of that roller coaster, another unexpected protagonist appeared: IShowSpeed, the American YouTuber and streamer who is a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, who earned the anger of many Argentine fans for a video he uploaded to networks during Messi's penalty.
In the images, Speed appears in the stands shouting, jumping and moving his arms while the Argentine captain prepared to execute the shot from twelve steps. The penalty was saved by the Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir and the streamer celebrated the situation with euphoria, as part of his usual provocative character on networks.
Who is Speed
Speed's name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr. and he is one of the most popular content creators in the United States. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he became famous on YouTube as IShowSpeed for his live streams, over-the-top reactions, and chaotic, explosive style.
His connection with football grew due to his fanaticism for Cristiano Ronaldo. That admiration made him, almost automatically, an uncomfortable figure for many followers of Lionel Messi. In every appearance related to Argentina, Speed is usually read as a provocateur rather than a simple spectator.
Why it angered Argentines
The video of the prison was the trigger. For Argentine fans, it was not just an exaggerated reaction: it was seen as a direct mockery of Messi at a moment of maximum tension. The annoyance grew even more because Argentina ended up turning the game around, and the networks transformed the streamer into the target of memes and chicanes.
The scene perfectly summed up the Speed phenomenon: a creator who turns every gesture into content, but who also steps on sensitive areas of football. This time, he provoked the most important idol of the Argentine National Team during a direct elimination match.
In the end, the story turned against the streamer himself. The viral clip won, but Argentina ended up winning the match.