Messi’s message for Argentine Maccabiah squad

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has sent out a good luck message to Argentina’s Maccabiah squad ahead of the start of this week’s Games.

The South Americans are taking their largest ever contingent to the Games, which start on Thursday, and the Argentine striker, considered by many to be the world’s best footballer, recorded a message alongside Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.

In a video played at a ceremony held at the Hacoaj Sport Club and Jewish Center, Messi said: “Very good luck to all the team that will participate in the games in Israel.”

Of the 419 athletes the Argentines are sending to the Games, 190 of the squad will be making their first visit to Israel, while 250 of them will be participating in the Maccabiah for the first time.