From the Liveblog of
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Netanyahu backs Argentina in World Cup final as he meets the country’s ambassador
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu throws his support behind Argentina ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup final against Spain, as he meets with the South American country’s ambassador to Israel.
According to Netanyahu, Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish relayed a message from Argentina’s pro-Israel President Javier Milei touting the support from his “friend.”
“Javier, you are a friend. A true friend. You are a great friend, we support you, we support Argentina in so many ways, including tomorrow. Good luck!” Netanyahu is quoted saying in response.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in his office with the Ambassador of Argentina to Israel, Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish, and wished great success to the Argentine national team in the World Cup final taking place tomorrow.
Ambassador Wahnish presented the Prime Minister with… pic.twitter.com/2x3pYAxA9b
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 18, 2026
Some have cast Sunday’s match as a highly symbolic contest due to the opposing views on Israel in Madrid and Buenos Aires, with some online posts criticizing Argentina’s Lionel Messi and invoking antisemitic conspiracy theories.
Related – Lionel Messi’s ostensibly controversial history with Jewish and Israeli life. Spoiler: He’s Catholic
The Times of Israel Community.