Lali Espósito, often likened to Argentina's Taylor Swift, has sparked conversation once again with her latest release, “Fanático,” a pop-rock anthem packed with pointed references.
Similar to Swift’s public disagreements with Donald Trump, Espósito channels her ongoing feud with Argentine president Javier Milei into her music.
See Also: Argentina’s President Javier Milei Spars With Lali Espósito, The Argentinian Taylor Swift
The new song, paired with a viral music video, has fans buzzing about potential digs at the far-right leader, with whom the Sony Music SONY artist has clashed since late 2023.
Lali Vs. Milei: A History Of Tension
“Fanático” opens with a bold line: “You love to act like you don't know who I am, but I know you have a poster of me in your room.”
Fans interpret this as a jab at Milei, who famously claimed he didn't know who she was, stating that he only listened to The Rolling Stones and opera. In the past, Milei has also fueled online harassment against her from his aggressive followers.
Back in 2023, when asked about Espósito's political stance, he had downplayed her significance, saying: “I'm not really into popular music,” after the singer and actress expressed her dissatisfaction with the result of the primary elections in which saw the libertarian candidate Javier Milei win with 31% of the votes.
“How dangerous, how sad,” the star posted on X at the time.
The song also features lines like: “All night long, he dreams of me and touches himself” and “I understand what you’re going through; if you’re just a child. Even if you pretend to be tough, you’re lacking affection.”
The Viral Music Video: Hidden Messages And Easter Eggs?
The music video for “Fanático” takes the playful critique a step further. Set in a warehouse, one of the standout characters is a middle-aged man sporting sideburns and a leather jacket, bearing a striking resemblance to Milei.
This scene subtly references the president's remarks and his supporters' use of the nickname "Lali Depósito" for the singer, implying she had received state funds—an accusation her fans and team have vehemently denied. Notably, the word "Depósito" in Spanish can also mean “warehouse,” adding a clever double meaning to the setting of the video.
During an interview with streaming channel Luzu TV, Espósito admitted: “Some of the references I learned about on Twitter," she joked, before adding, "but many of them were intentional, designed to be caught. Others, however, were just the product of the fans' imagination, and I'm cool with that."
Espósito's lyrical jabs extend beyond just the president's indifference to her career. Lines like: "He wants to devour me, but he feeds on my leftovers. He’s all over me, like my shadow. He’s my fan, driving me crazy,” reference the numerous occasions when Milei "liked" tweets criticizing her, followed by interviews where he berated her for holding opposing political views.
One of the most memorable of these exchanges was when she described his rhetoric as "unjust and violent," even inviting him to one of her concerts to experience her artistry firsthand.
"It's A Good Time Not To Back Down”
But “Fanático” is more than just a critique of Milei. Lali hinted that there are layers of hidden meanings in the song and its video, teasing fans that repeated viewings would reveal further details.
"There are things that barely anyone has picked up on, things that hint at the new album coming in 2025," she revealed. Fans have praised the video, now with over 2.5 million views, for its intricate production and for keeping them engaged with its subtext.
During the interview, Espósito also took a moment to reflect on the current sociopolitical climate and the role of artists in times like these.
“It's a good time not to back down. If artists feel like they have something to say, they should say it. And that can be about anything,” she said.
“There's so much information coming at us, and it's easy to lose track of who you are and what you want to say. But these are moments to rebel a bit, to reflect on what you can contribute,” the artist, who has a 12 million following on Instagram, added.
With “Fanático,” Lali Espósito has done just that—using her platform to not only entertain but also to take a stand, echoing the political and cultural tensions of Argentina today.
On the same day Lali released “Fanático,” the National Institute of Statistics and Census (Indec) revealed that poverty affected 52.9% of the population in Argentina during the first half of 2024.
This figure marks a significant increase from 41.7% at the end of Alberto Fernández’s presidency, showcasing the impact of Javier Milei’s economic policies.
As Milei’s administration continues to implement austerity measures, the rising levels of poverty and indigence — now at 18.1% — mark the worst figures in 20 years.
Watch Lali Espósito's “Fanático” Music Video Here:
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Image created using photos from Shutterstock.
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