Lionel Messi’s ostensibly controversial history with Jewish and Israeli life. Spoiler: He’s Catholic

Lionel Messi, the Argentine soccer icon widely hailed as one of the sport's greatest players, has maintained a carefully managed public image throughout his decorated career. While he rarely comments on politics, Messi has occasionally drawn attention for his support of Jewish causes and Israeli companies. He has also been inadvertently drawn into the Middle East's complex geopolitical landscape. For instance, a grandmother from Argentina credited him with saving her life during an attack on her Israeli kibbutz on October 7, 2023. As Argentina competes in the World Cup, some critics of Israel have highlighted Messi's past activities to frame opposition to Argentina as an anti-Zionist stance, even as many Israelis rally behind the team and its star. This article examines 10 moments from Messi's career where his fame intersected with Jewish and Israeli culture, including public appearances, peace initiatives, and controversies.

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It wasn’t the first time he demonstrated support for his country’s Jewish community, in 2011, he participated in a campaign for justice and memory of the victims of the 1994 AMIA Jewish center bombing that killed 85 people in Buenos Aires.

In July 2013, Messi sent a message to the Argentine Maccabiah team before their departure for the "Jewish Olympics" in Israel. This gesture followed his 2011 participation in a campaign for justice and remembrance of the victims of the 1994 AMIA Jewish center bombing in Buenos Aires, which killed 85 people. A month later, during a "peace tour" with Barcelona FC, Messi visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The club also organized skills clinics for Israeli and Palestinian children and facilitated meetings with local dignitaries, including then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, shakes hands with FC Barcelona player Lionel Messi during a ceremony at the president’s residence in Jerusalem, Israel, August 4, 2013.

Messi's engagement extended to supporting a "match for peace" in Rome in September 2014, an event organized by Pope Francis to foster peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Although an injury prevented him from playing, fellow Argentine legend Diego Maradona and Israeli player Yossi Benayoun participated, alongside international stars. However, Messi also faced backlash. In 2016, he was criticized by Egyptian officials and labeled "Jewish" and a "Zionist" after donating his soccer cleats to a charity in Egypt. Azmi Mogahed, then spokesman for the Egyptian Football Federation, publicly denounced the donation.

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Messi supported a “match for peace” in Rome organized by Pope Francis to promote peace between Israelis and Palestinians, but he did not play due to an injury.