Conspiracy Theories Link Lionel Messi to Antisemitic Narratives During 2026 World Cup

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a wave of antisemitic conspiracy theories has emerged surrounding Argentina's star player Lionel Messi and the national team. These theories range from claims that Messi is the "Netanyahu of football" and protected by a Jewish lobby, to far-fetched allegations of a Zionist plot to establish a second Jewish state in Argentina. Such narratives have been fueled by controversial refereeing decisions, including Argentina's relatively lenient disciplinary record and Messi avoiding a red card after stepping on an Algerian player, which critics interpret as favoritism by FIFA officials.

The political dimension intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly pressured FIFA to overturn a red card against an American player, reinforcing perceptions of political interference in the tournament. In the Arab world, state media and influential commentators have openly accused FIFA and Israel of manipulating outcomes to favor Argentina, with some branding the team as effectively an "Israeli team" acting under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's influence. Egyptian analyst Mohammad Nour and other media figures have propagated these claims, while social media influencers and religious extremists have amplified antisemitic rhetoric, branding Messi with terms like "Dajjal," the Islamic anti-messiah.

Locally in Argentina, longstanding antisemitic sentiments have been revived and intensified by modern technology, including AI-generated fake intelligence reports alleging Israeli involvement in recent Patagonian wildfires and plans to settle hundreds of thousands of Israeli refugees in the region. These falsehoods are part of the "Plan Andinia" conspiracy theory, which alleges a Zionist scheme to create a Jewish state in Patagonia. Such narratives have been spread by opposition groups, far-right figures, and retired military officials, further deepening societal divisions.

Experts analyzing these developments highlight that the antisemitic propaganda serves political purposes, particularly in the Arab world, where failing football teams and governments use the "Jewish lobby" as a scapegoat to deflect public frustration and avoid accountability. This manipulation transforms football from a unifying sport into a tool for spreading hatred and conspiracy. While Western fans debate refereeing fairness, the real battle is against the dangerous weaponization of sport for antisemitic misinformation, which is now broadcast globally in prime time.

The article warns that when legitimate sports criticism crosses into antisemitic conspiracy, football loses its magic and becomes a platform for modern, perilous antisemitism.