Jerusalem, July 19 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has wished Lionel Messi and Argentina success ahead of the FIFA World Cup final against Spain on Sunday, July 19, describing Argentine President Javier Milei as "a true friend" during an official meeting in Jerusalem.

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, July 18, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said Netanyahu met Argentina's Ambassador to Israel, Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish, who conveyed a personal audio message from Milei.

In the recording, the Argentine president thanked Netanyahu for publicly backing Argentina during the tournament.

"You are my friend, always supporting us. I was happy to hear that you are rooting for Argentina because of me," Milei said.

Netanyah...