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Israeli embassy confirms cancellation of Argentina friendly in Jerusalem

The Albiceleste will not be playing their final World Cup warm-up after the controversial match with Israel sparked protests

Argentina's controversial friendly against Israel has been suspended after the match scheduled in Jerusalem provoked waves of protest, the Israeli embassy has confirmed.

Reports had surfaced in Argentina on Tuesday that the match would be called off, with Palestine's Football Association celebrating the news.

Palestinian FA chief Jibril Rajoub had helped spark the controversy with his claims that fans should burn Lionel Messi photos and shirts if the Argentina star faced Israel.

The embassy's statement confirmed the news, saying that civilians in the area are no strangers to the "threats and provocations directed at Lionel Messi, which logically aroused the solidarity of his colleagues and fear of playing the friendly.