(MENAFN) After the recent massacre in Gaza, Argentina decided to cancel the pre-World Cup friendly with Israel which were due to be held in Jerusalem on Saturday before Argentina travel to Russia for the World Cup.
The Israeli embassy said "it regrets to communicate the suspension of the match between Israel and Argentina", and referred to unspecified "threats" and "provocations" against Messi.
Meanwhile, Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian football association, told journalists that he had written to Argentina's government asking that Messi not to take part.
"The Israeli government is trying to give it political significance by insisting it be held in Jerusalem," he said, adding that Messi was "a symbol of peace and love".
Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian football association campaigners haven't just been focusing on Argentina. They've been calling on musicians to stop performing in Israel too. And recently, Messi"s fellow UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Shakira also decided to cancel an upcoming concert after significant public pressure.
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