After Lionel Messi broke the all-time World Cup scoring record, a celebratory panel was held on the morning show "HaOlam HaBoker" to discuss the achievement and the huge Israeli fan base for Argentina’s national team. The guests were fans Yuval Cohen Or, Dor Halili Ben Zaken, and Alejandro Vitenshtain, who described their support as something far beyond ordinary sports fandom.
Cohen Or summed up the feeling with a short phrase, saying football for them is "just a religion." He said that "religion" is expressed in regular rituals, including late-night gatherings to watch matches together. A central symbol of that culture is mate, the traditional Argentine drink, which Ben Zaken brought on set. He explained, "You drink it in the morning, it’s a very social drink."
The discussion also focused on the emotional and personal roots of the connection to Argentina. Ben Zaken said his affection for the team and the country began about four years ago, when he traveled in South America and fell in love with Argentina. Vitenshtain broadened that sentiment with a simple explanation of the bond between the two peoples, saying, "They just love us."
Together, the fans painted a picture of support driven not only by Messi’s success, but also by shared identity, cultural rituals, and personal experiences. With the tournament continuing, their attention remains fixed on Messi and hopes that he will lead Argentina further, while their faith in the team stays strong.
