(Photo by Marc Israel SELLEM / POOL / AFP via Getty Images / (Paul Childs/Reuters))
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support for Argentina and said he wanted Argentina to win.
During a recent podcast appearance, Netanyahu made it clear that he supports La Albiceleste during the 2026 World Cup.
However, the prime minister revealed that his sudden allegiance to soccer was not driven by Argentina legend Lionel Messi, but rather due to geopolitical admiration for the country’s leader.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants Argentina to win
When the podcast host suggested that Messi might have influenced the decision to support Argentina, Prime Minister Netanyahu replied: “No. Before Messi, it’s Prime Minister Milay.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is reportedly facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Palestine, went on to praise Argentine President Javier Milei, saying: “He is a true superstar. He is Israel’s greatest friend.”
The Israeli prime minister’s comments underscored his growing friendship with Milay, who has actively sought closer ties with the Israeli government since taking office.
Mr. Milley has repeatedly expressed his firm support for Israel and strengthened diplomatic relations with the country, including announcing plans to move the Argentine embassy to Jerusalem.
For Prime Minister Netanyahu, this political friendship was an absolute priority over any soccer fans on the pitch.
Egypt vs. Argentina controversy sparks suggestions of political punishment
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s vocal support for Argentina is largely due to Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the Round of 16.
The match was marred by widespread officiating controversy as French referee François Letexier made a series of decisions against the African side late in the match, including Mostafa Zico’s canceled goal that should have given Egypt a 2-0 lead.
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Football Paparazzi reports that Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan’s vocal support for Palestine during the World Cup may have played a role in the referee’s controversial decision.
After the match, Hassan slammed FIFA for being “unjust” and suggested external factors helped keep the reigning world champions in the competition.
FIFA referee chief Pierluigi Collina was quick to dismiss Hassan’s claims as “baseless”, but the match remains at the center of global conversation, with geopolitical commentary and officiating drama intersecting as Argentina prepare for a quarter-final showdown.
