Israel will back Messi and Argentina in World Cup final: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly announced that he will support Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

He said many Israelis would also be supporting Lionel Messi’s Argentina team in the final against Spain.

A day before the final at New York New Jersey Stadium, Netanyahu met Argentina’s ambassador to Israel, Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish, and discussed the match. During the meeting, the ambassador presented Netanyahu with an Argentina national team jersey and played an audio message sent by Argentine President Javier Milei.

In the message, President Milei thanked Netanyahu for supporting Argentina and described him as a close friend who was always ready to help. Responding to the message, Netanyahu said Israel would support Argentina in the final, just as it supports the country in many other areas.

Netanyahu later reiterated his support for Argentina while speaking to the ambassador. Netanyahu said he made no secret of being an Argentina supporter and believed many Israelis were also backing Argentina.

Argentina, captained by Lionel Messi, will be looking to defend their World Cup title. Spain, meanwhile, are seeking to win the World Cup for the first time since 2010. Relations between Argentina and Israel have strengthened considerably since President Javier Milei took office.