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Egypt Coach Proud of World Cup Political Gesture and Snubs Lionel Messi

How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

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First reported by Walla · 4 hours ago

What happened

Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan proudly defended his political gesture of raising the PLO flag during the 2026 World Cup in the US, calling it a moral duty. He also explained his controversial conduct during Egypt's loss to Argentina and revealed he ignored Lionel Messi's post-match approach. Hassan remains unapologetic despite international criticism.

01Egypt coach Hossam Hassan proudly raised the PLO flag after Egypt's win over Australia at the 2026 World Cup.
02Hassan described the gesture as spontaneous and a moral obligation to support Gaza's suffering.
03He protested refereeing decisions with an 'X' gesture during Egypt's 3-2 loss to Argentina.
04Hassan ignored Lionel Messi's attempt to speak with him after the match, citing no interest in confrontation.
05His actions sparked international criticism for mixing politics with sports, but he refuses to apologize.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

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