Amid the ruins of Gaza, far from the pomp and pageantry of North American FIFA events, a mock World Cup match was played Thursday between footballers who have survived the ongoing “genocide” in Palestine.It was a surreal sight, like something out of a Polanski war movie.Not only did the green lawn surrounded by the ruined city witness the first live football match in Gaza since the Israeli-led attack began in October 2023, the six-a-side tie also had an interesting political background.One team wore Palestinian national colors, while the other wore Spanish jerseys – apparently to thank Spain for its support and recognition of the Palestinian state. It also highlights the support La Rojas will receive from the conflict-torn region when they face Argentina in Monday’s World Cup final.The Spanish flag flying next to the Palestinian flag is also evidence of the fact that although FIFA has mandated that the World Cup be kept away from politics, the reality is far from the rules set behind closed doors at its headquarters in Zurich.It also doesn’t help the cause of the world organization led by Gianni Infantino that the headliners at MetLife Stadium on Monday will represent two countries on opposite sides of the political spectrum.Spain’s socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been Europe’s loudest voice in support of Palestine, inclusivity and left-wing ideology, while the Argentinian Prime Minister’s political ideology can be summed up by the fact that he is one of the strongest supporters of the US President Donald Trump.Prime Minister Javier Milei famously said: “The only left foot that works is Messi’s left foot.”He is an anarcho-capitalist, totalitarian, and libertarian conservative who advocates conservative social values, is a supporter of Israel, and has Benjamin Netanyahu As another famous friend.His ideology may have spread to World Cup venues, as evidenced by the racist slurs some Argentinian fans hurled at American influencers of color and the record of throwing beer at Egyptian fans during Argentina’s last-16 match.After the 2022 World Cup winning team won in Qatar, some players sang racist songs on the team bus.It’s a travesty of history itself: a country once colonized by the Spanish Empire – which expelled its own people – is now run by Millay’s right-wing government, while its colonists stand on the left, championing diversity and socialism. What’s more, the Latin American finalists are the only all-white team among the 48 nations at the World Cup, and Spain will have players of immigrant origin such as Lamine Yamar and Nico Williams teaming up with Hispanic players such as Pedri and Ferran Torres to bring the trophy home.It’s also worth noting that the man who replaced Maradona’s tattoo as football’s greatest man remains apolitical and doesn’t think he’s with Trump. therefore, Lionel Messi It was also in stark contrast to his high-profile opponent at the other end, 19-year-old Yamal, who waved the Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s victory parade.That’s the reality the world will be watching as the summit clashes kick off in New Jersey.However, the 2026 World Cup, which takes place against the backdrop of a war between the United States and Israel against Iran, is already mired in politics.The Iranian team has had to move its base to Mexico due to U.S. sanctions and has been forced to travel in and out of the U.S. for tournaments, while Somalia Omar Atan, Africa’s referee of the year, has been unable to enter to officiate at the World Cup due to another sanction from the host nation.So when La Roja takes on Albiceleste, political overtones will linger in its background.A victory for Spain would surely see Larogie Guarda flying in the distant Gaza sky, while a victory for Argentina would not only be another gift to Messi fans, but could also bring a chorus of cheers from the right’s biggest idols – Milais, Trump and Netanyahu, who has also expressed support for Argentina.
