iShowSpeed hits Instagram milestone, gets told to 'go home' by Argentina fan
Darren “iShowSpeed” Watkins Jr. has hit another milestone after surpassing 50 million followers on Instagram, but the streamer also found himself on the receiving end of taunts during the Argentina vs Cape Verde match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
iShowSpeed has been consistently livestreaming the World Cup in North America, but he had to host a watch-along for Portugal’s Round of 16 match due to travel complications. The YouTuber started the broadcast in tears after revealing he wouldn’t be able to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play in person, but later celebrated Portugal’s victory over Croatia.
The social media achievement also saw iShowSpeed become the most-followed streamer on Instagram. However, his World Cup experience wasn’t entirely positive. While attending the Argentina vs. Cape Verde match, he was met with chants and taunts from Argentina fans, with one supporter even telling him to “go home”.
Image credit: iShowSpeed
Here’s how Argentina fans trolled iShowSpeed during the World Cup match
Speed is one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s most famous supporters, and this one-sided bromance has seen him criticize the Portuguese’s great rival Lionel Messi throughout the tournament. The YouTuber attended the Argentina vs Cape Verde match, where he laughed after Messi missed a free kick and appeared disappointed after the Argentine captain found the net.
He also appeared frustrated as fans began chanting Messi’s name. During the match, one Argentina supporter shouted that Ronaldo had never won a FIFA World Cup, while another fan repeatedly told Speed to “go home”. Moments later, a young boy was seen making gestures toward Speed, prompting the YouTuber to respond, “You’re a bad kid.”
Image credit: iShowSpeed
Viewers quickly reacted to the incident, with some coming to iShowSpeed’s support. They criticized the Argentina fans, arguing that Speed didn’t deserve to be singled out as he was merely attending and streaming during the match. Others were more critical of the streamer. While they didn’t fully condone the fans’ behavior, they argued that his long-running criticism of Messi and open support for Ronaldo made the reaction unsurprising. Some viewers pointed out that Speed had been rooting against both Messi and Argentina throughout the match, which they said explained why some fans reacted emotionally.
Throughout the remainder of the match, the streamer continued reacting live to Messi’s chances, near misses, and Argentina’s attacks. He grew frustrated each time Argentina took the lead, though Cape Verde displayed real tenacity to take the match to extra-time.
Speed also praised Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar “Vozinha” José Évora Dias for a string of impressive saves that kept his team in the game. Despite his reactions, Argentina ultimately secured a 3-2 victory to reach the last-16, where they will face Egypt.
Despite the incident, iShowSpeed still had plenty to celebrate after surpassing 50 million followers on Instagram. The milestone further underscores the popularity of his IRL broadcasts, particularly during the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the streamer has gained more than one million YouTube subscribers during the tournament, and with the latest milestone, iShowSpeed is now the most-followed streamer across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Feature image credit: iShowSpeed
Khizar Mundia has been playing video games for as long as he can recall. Things have come a long way since the many days he spent playing the original NES, though. He now covers a variety of competitive games and esports, as well as the world of streaming, ranging from Twitch to Kick. If it’s of interest to gamers, it’s of interest to Khizar.
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