Egyptian Snack Brand Stops Producing Messi-Branded Packaging After World Cup Exit

Following Egypt's defeat to Argentina and elimination from the 2026 World Cup, significant public outrage erupted in Egypt, targeting Lionel Messi. The Egyptian snack company Chipsy announced it would cease producing all products featuring the image of Argentina's captain Messi. These special edition packages had been launched as part of a World Cup campaign before the tournament began. Existing stock with Messi's image will remain on store shelves and continue to be sold, but no new Messi-branded packaging will be produced.

The decision came amid a wave of angry social media posts in Egypt, where many users shared videos expressing their frustration over Messi's image still appearing on Chipsy's products. In one video, a user holding a blue package with Messi's photo called him a derogatory name before throwing the bag into the trash. Another video featured a speaker criticizing Chipsy for provoking Egyptian fans by placing Messi's image on the packaging and demanding its removal, ending by discarding the product.

In response to the backlash, Chipsy attempted to shift focus back to the Egyptian national team by posting a story featuring Egyptian players with the caption "You honored us, heroes." This message was shared while the controversy over the Messi campaign continued and amid calls from Egyptian fans to stop using Messi's likeness in the company's advertising.

The incident highlights the strong emotions surrounding Egypt's World Cup exit and the symbolic role of Messi's image in the public's reaction. Chipsy's move to halt production of Messi-themed packaging reflects the company's sensitivity to consumer sentiment during this period.