Palestine in Maradona's Heart: Does Argentina Really Love Israel?

Just hours before Argentina faced Spain in the World Cup final, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a message to President Javier Milei. “Javier [Milei], you are a true friend, a great friend. We support you, we support Argentina, in many ways,” Netanyahu said, as quoted by Middle East Eye. Spain subsequently defeated Argentina 1-0 shortly thereafter. Nevertheless, the final carried political significance far beyond the context of football. Across various social media platforms, many framed Argentina as the ‘Israel team’ and Spain as the ‘Palestine team’. The symbolism behind this framing is not difficult to understand. Milei has made support for Israel a hallmark of Argentina’s foreign policy. He has continued to back Netanyahu during the genocide in Gaza, spoken openly about his intention to convert to Judaism, and pledged to move the Argentine Embassy to Jerusalem. Spain has moved in the opposite direction. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has condemned the genocide being carried out by Israel in Gaza. Sanchez has urged that those responsible be arrested and officially recognised the state of Palestine in 2024. The biggest stars of both teams have even become part of this political contrast. Lionel Messi has often been scrutinised for his past links to Israel, while Spanish star Lamine Yamal waved a Palestinian flag after Barcelona won the league title.