Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed Argentina for the FIFA World Cup final against Spain on July 19, 2026, after receiving an official Argentine football jersey from the country’s ambassador to Israel, Axel Wahnish. In a video shared on social media, Netanyahu accepted the gift and delivered a message of support explicitly tied to his relationship with Argentine President Javier Milei rather than to the team’s players.
“Javier, you are a real friend, a great friend. We support you, we support Argentina, in so many ways, including tomorrow,” Netanyahu said, ending with “Vamos Argentina.” The Israeli prime minister emphasized that his support stems from Milei’s diplomatic overtures toward Israel, not from the presence of star player Lionel Messi on Argentina’s roster.
Netanyahu told Wahnish: “I don’t hide that I support Argentina, and I think most Israelis support Argentina because of Milei’s revolution in the relationship between our countries.” Milei, in a message relayed through the ambassador, thanked Netanyahu for his generosity and expressed appreciation for the Israeli leader’s backing.
A Deepening Strategic Alliance
Netanyahu’s public endorsement reflects the unusually close relationship that has developed between Israel and Argentina’s government since Milei took office. In April 2026, Netanyahu and Milei announced the launch of the Isaac Accords, a diplomatic initiative designed to strengthen political, economic, and cultural cooperation between Israel and Latin American nations including Argentina, Uruguay, Panama, and Costa Rica.
The two leaders also announced the first-ever direct flight route between Israel and Argentina during that April meeting in Jerusalem. Netanyahu described Milei as standing up with Israel and the Jewish people, highlighting the Argentine president’s willingness to take positions that align with Israeli interests in international forums.
Netanyahu was not alone among Israeli officials in voicing support for Argentina ahead of the final. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar posted “Vamos Argentina” on social media, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich congratulated Milei on Argentina’s semifinal victory. UN Ambassador Danny Danon and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also expressed public backing for the Argentine team, underscoring how Milei’s pro-Israel stance has resonated across Israel’s political spectrum.
Sources
- Al Jazeera — Video report on Netanyahu receiving the football jersey and declaring support for Argentina
- The Jerusalem Post — Full text of Netanyahu’s statement to the ambassador, Milei’s message, and statements from other Israeli officials
- FIFA — Confirmation of the World Cup final date and venue (July 19, 2026, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey)
- Gov.il — Official Israeli government announcement of the Isaac Accords and the direct flight between Israel and Argentina
