Israel - Argentina friendly set to be cancelled after Messi threats

Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian FA, implored Leo Messi not to attend the friendly between Israel and Argentina. In statements published in the 'Associated Press', Rajoub denounced the Argentinian FA's decision to play against Israel, and personally targeted Messi. 

He called the Barcelona forward a "symbol of love and peace", and called on him to not participate in the beautification of "the fascist occupation's image". 

A campaign was then launched for fans to burn their Messi shirts, as supporters told him not to attend the friendly. The threats, which tie into the controversial Israel-Palestine conflict, seem to have had an impact, and it is being reported that the game could be cancelled.

Although there is nothing official as of yet, Spanish outlet 'Ole' are reporting that the friendly will not be held, and Argentina will not travel to Israel. Jorge Sampaoli will apparently look for a friendly in Barcelona, where the squad are currently based, before heading off to Russia.

Journalist Cesar Luis Merlo also claims that the squad and backroom staff refused to travel to Israel.

Husni Abdel Wahed, Argentina's Palestinian ambassador, compared travelling to Israel to if Palestine celebrated the Falklands War. "This game is like us celebrating the anniversary of the occupation of the Falklands," he said. "This would be an aberration, a lack of respect and an aggression towards the feelings of the Argentinian people."