Egyptian Snack Brand Ends Partnership With Messi After World Cup Exit

Following Egypt's 3-2 loss to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup round of 16, public outrage in Egypt has intensified, culminating in the Egyptian snack company Chipsy discontinuing all packaging featuring Lionel Messi's image. The decision came amid widespread accusations from Egyptian fans and public figures that the refereeing favored Argentina and Messi, the reigning champions' star. Chipsy announced it would no longer produce new packaging with Messi's likeness, though existing products with his image, manufactured before the tournament, will remain on shelves until sold out.

The move followed a social media campaign calling for a boycott of Messi, with videos circulating of Egyptian fans discarding Chipsy bags bearing Messi's photo. Some reports indicated that Chipsy reverted to its original packaging designs and that the Messi campaign was initially intended only for the World Cup period. However, the backlash after Egypt's elimination accelerated the decision to cease further production featuring Messi.

The controversy escalated after the match, with Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan publicly accusing FIFA of favoritism toward Messi and Argentina for marketing reasons. This incident marks a new peak in the ongoing Egyptian frustration following their World Cup exit.

Summary: After Egypt's World Cup defeat to Argentina, Egyptian snack brand Chipsy stopped producing packaging with Lionel Messi's image amid public backlash and accusations of biased refereeing.