Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thrown his support behind Argentina ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain, using a meeting with the Argentine ambassador to deliver a personal message to President Javier Milei.

Netanyahu received Argentina’s ambassador to Israel, Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish, and asked him to convey his good wishes to the Argentine leader.

“Javier, you are a true friend,” Netanyahu said. “We support you, and we support Argentina in many ways. Good luck.”

Wahnish responded by passing on Milei’s greetings, saying the Argentine president was pleased to learn that Netanyahu was supporting the national team partly because of their friendship. The meeting gave Netanyahu’s backing a diplomatic dimension just hours before the final. The Times of Israel

A growing political alliance

Since taking office in December 2023, Milei has made closer relations with Israel a central part of his foreign policy. He has described Israel as a strategic ally of Argentina and repeatedly highlighted what he considers the two countries’ shared political values.

Milei has visited Israel three times since becoming president. His latest trip, in April 2026, included meetings with Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, alongside announcements aimed at expanding diplomatic, scientific and technological cooperation.

During that visit, the two countries signed several cooperation agreements, including measures related to artificial intelligence. Netanyahu has repeatedly described Milei as a close friend of Israel and praised his free-market economic policies. Israeli Prime Minister’s Office

Milei, who was raised Catholic, has also spoken publicly about his interest in Judaism. He has studied Jewish religious texts and previously expressed a desire to convert to the faith.

His strong support for Israel has extended to its military actions. Milei visited the country in June 2025, shortly before Israel launched strikes against Iran, and has defended Israeli operations in international forums.

He also dedicated the $1 million award attached to the Genesis Prize to the “Isaac Accords,” an initiative intended to strengthen Israel’s diplomatic relations with Latin American countries.

Argentina prepares to face Spain

Argentina enters the final as the defending champion after winning the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Lionel Messi and his teammates reached Sunday’s match after coming from behind to defeat England 2-1 in the semifinal.

They will face an unbeaten Spanish side at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Argentina is chasing its fourth World Cup title, while Spain is seeking its second after lifting the trophy in 2010. Associated Press

Netanyahu had already declared his support for Argentina during an earlier media appearance, saying his relationship with Milei was among the reasons he was following the team’s campaign.

Milei stays home because of superstition

Despite Argentina reaching the final, Milei has decided not to travel to New Jersey. Instead, he plans to watch the match from home, where he viewed the national team’s previous victories.

The president said he would continue wearing the same heavy jacket he wore during earlier matches, believing that changing his routine could bring the team bad luck.

Milei recalled removing the jacket because he felt too warm during Argentina’s match against Switzerland. The opposing team scored shortly afterward, prompting him to put it back on and keep wearing it.

Such rituals are widely known in Argentina as cábalas—personal habits that supporters believe can influence a team’s fortunes. Some fans wear the same clothes for every match, refuse to wash their shirts during the tournament or insist on watching from the same seat.

Argentine presidents have also traditionally avoided attending important World Cup matches. The belief dates back partly to the 1990 tournament, when President Carlos Menem visited the squad shortly before Argentina suffered a surprise opening defeat to Cameroon.

Menem was subsequently labelled a mufa, an Argentine term for someone believed to bring bad luck. Since then, sitting presidents have generally stayed away from the national team’s World Cup matches.

For Milei, remaining at home is both a continuation of that tradition and an attempt to preserve the routine that has accompanied Argentina’s journey to another World Cup final.