BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — In a significant dispute over compensation and conditions at a training camp, three prominent players from Argentina's women's soccer squad resigned on Monday. Goalkeeper Laurina Oliveros, defender Julieta Cruz, and midfielder Lorena Benítez, all regular starters, walked out, drawing attention to systemic issues within the team.

“We have reached a point where we are tired of the injustices, of not being valued, not being heard, and, even worse, being humiliated,” Cruz posted on Instagram. “We need improvements for Argentina’s women’s soccer national team, and I am not only talking about finances. I speak about training, having lunch, breakfast.” Cruz and Benítez revealed that during national squad training sessions, they were given a ham and cheese sandwich and a banana, which they consider inadequate for high-performance athletes. Such provisions are grossly insufficient compared to the nutritional needs of professional players who require balanced, nutrient-dense meals to maintain peak performance.

Furthermore, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) informed the players they would not be compensated for the friendlies against Costa Rica on Friday and Monday because the games are at home in Buenos Aires. This decision highlights a broader issue of financial inequity and lack of support for women's sports in Argentina. Benítez expressed frustration over the fact that their family members were being charged 5,000 pesos ($5) for match tickets, a fee that feels particularly unjust given the players' unpaid status for these games.

“And there are millions of things we have gone through,” Benítez added, hinting at deeper, systemic problems beyond the immediate financial grievances. Oliveros echoed these sentiments on Instagram, writing, “With a broken heart and thousands of dreams disappearing little by little. May the next generations enjoy and be happy running after the football, as we were sometime ago.” Her statement reflects a broader hope that future generations of female footballers will not have to endure the same struggles and will instead find a supportive environment where they can thrive.

The AFA did not comment on the players’ decision, a silence that speaks volumes about the disconnect between the administration and its athletes. This lack of communication and acknowledgment of the players' grievances further exacerbates the situation, leaving the athletes feeling undervalued and ignored.

Estefanía Banini, considered Argentina’s best female player ever, supported her three former teammates. Last year, she also decided to stop playing for the national team due to similar issues. Banini, who currently plays for Atletico Madrid, took to her social media channels to voice her support: “A matter of time. Thanks for being willing to speak about it.” Her statement not only supports the current protest but also underscores a persistent and widespread issue within the women's national team setup.

The situation highlights a significant disparity in how women's sports are treated compared to men's. The players' walkout brings attention to the urgent need for structural changes within the AFA to provide fair compensation, adequate training facilities, and proper nutrition for female athletes. It is a call to action for the association to recognize and address the systemic inequities that have long plagued women's soccer in Argentina.

The resignation of key players like Oliveros, Cruz, and Benítez is a bold statement against ongoing mistreatment and a plea for a future where female athletes receive the respect, resources, and recognition they deserve. Their actions may inspire other players and teams facing similar conditions to speak out, potentially leading to broader changes within the sport. For now, the focus remains on how the AFA will respond to these pressing issues and whether it will take meaningful steps to rectify the situation and support its athletes adequately.