Argentina cancel Israel friendly in Jerusalem
Wednesday 6 June 2018 14:56, UK
Argentina have cancelled their planned friendly against Israel in Jerusalem, the Israeli embassy confirmed on Tuesday.
Jorge Sampaoli's side were due to face Israel at the Teddy Stadium on Saturday in their final warm-up match for the World Cup in Russia.
However, the Israeli embassy has confirmed that the match has been called off, citing threats to Argentina captain Lionel Messi.
"The Israeli embassy laments to announce the suspension of the match between Israel and Argentina planned for next Saturday June 9, as a prelude to the game for the World Cup in Russia," read a statement.
"Argentina and the state of Israel, close for 70 years, are not in a football match."
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The Argentine FA has faced pressure to cancel the match in the wake of the recent violence which followed the opening of the new United States embassy in Jerusalem.
Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain, who has won 70 caps for Argentina, confirmed the cancellation on Tuesday.
"They've finally done the right thing," Higuain told ESPN.
