Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his support for Argentina ahead of the 2026 [1] World Cup final.
The endorsement blends sporting enthusiasm with diplomatic signaling, highlighting the current geopolitical relationship between Israel and the South American nation.
Netanyahu spoke on the support for the team during an interview with CNBC TV18. He described Argentina as a "great friend" and noted that Israel supports the country in various capacities. "We support Argentina in so many ways, including tomorrow," Netanyahu said.
The prime minister's comments come as Argentina prepares to compete for the 2026 [2] title. While the endorsement is framed around the tournament, reports vary on the specific drivers behind his support. Some accounts suggest the backing is rooted in a general admiration for the country's footballing talent and diplomatic goodwill.
Other reports indicate the support is tied to political leadership. While some sources suggest the endorsement is not specifically about star player Lionel Messi, others state that Netanyahu praised both Messi and Argentine President Javier Milei as reasons for his support.
Netanyahu's public alignment with the team serves as a high-profile nod to the bilateral ties between the two nations. By linking the sporting event to broader diplomatic support, the prime minister emphasizes a strategic friendship during a period of global competition.
“"Argentina is a great friend."”
The prime minister's public endorsement of Argentina is less about sports and more about the strategic alignment between Israel and the administration of Javier Milei. By utilizing the global stage of the World Cup final, Netanyahu is signaling a strong diplomatic bond and mutual ideological affinity between the two governments.
