Sports

Is Lionel Messi a Zionist? The Argentine soccer star’s long history with Jewish and Israeli life

Some critics of Israel have surfaced his past activities and affiliations to make the case that opposing Argentina is the anti-Zionist choice. Many Israelis, meanwhile, favor the team.

Lionel Messi, then with FC Barcelona, puts a paper with wishes in a crack in the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem during a team trip to Israel and the West Bank, Aug. 4, 2013.
Maccabiah team sports photo July 8, 2026.

Reporter's notebook: At the Maccabiah, I found more than a medal

A PIXELLOT automated camera provides live coverage of Maccabiah competitions.

Pixellot expands Maccabiah coverage to bring Games to global Jewish communities

ISRAEL WILL look to regroup after a disappointing international window that raised questions about the national team’s future.

Loss to Croatia caps miserable qualifying window for Israel


Israel beats Albania in tense soccer friendly after booing of Hatikvah

“Throughout the three years of the war, I’ve become used to boos," said midfielder Eliel Peretz. "It’s unpleasant and disrespectful. But in the end, we’re professionals."

ISRAEL STRIKER Oscar Gloukh and Albania's Elseid Hysaj are shown a yellow card by referee Milija Savovic after an altercation stemming from the booing of Hatikvah before Israel's 1-0 friendly victory over host Albania in Tirana.

Maccabi Tel Aviv, Holon set up semifinal duel

Hoard scored 19 points, Sorkin added 18 points, and Marcio Santos scored 13 points in the victory, while Marquis Barnett scored 26 points and LJ Figueroa put in 22 points in the loss.

 HAPOEL HOLON players celebrate with the team's fans after their 99-84 victory over Bnei Herzliya clinched their place in the semifinals and a date with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Wingate, Israel Basketball League chair talks Israeli athletes' challenges overseas

“No athlete should have to choose between representing their country and feeling safe or accepted in their sport.”

Ari Steinberg_, CEO, Ashmoret

Mac TA, Holon notch opening playoffs wins

The head coach may not travel with the team due to an injury, but Hapoel Beersheba midfielder Eliel Peretz is not concerned about his potential absence.

MACCABI TEL AVIV forward Jaylen Hoard goes up to the hoop for two of his  team-high 20 points in the yellow-and-blue’s 106-90 victory over Hapoel Beersheba in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinals series.

Yam Madar delivers derby masterpiece as Hapoel Tel Aviv heads into playoffs red hot - comment

The game was close after the opening quarter, but that was because Madar was just warming up for what was to be a historical night for Israeli basketball.

YAM MADAR scored 41 points and drained nine of his 10 three-pointers to lead Hapoel Tel Aviv to a commanding 115-97 derby victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Milei clashes with Argentina's soccer boss over corruption scandals weeks before World Cup

The latest scandal came to light on Tuesday, when an Argentine lawmaker filed a complaint against AFA's Director Claudio Tapia for allegedly selling complimentary World Cup tickets.

Argentina's President Javier Milei sings the national anthem alongside members of cabinet outside the Buenos Aires Cabildo on the day of the traditional Te Deum to commemorate the 216th anniversary of the May Revolution, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, May 25, 2026.

From the mat to the street: Lululemon redefines what you wear to pilates

Lululemon launches a 2026 yoga and Pilates collection featuring Nulu™ fabric, soft silhouettes, and earthy tones designed for studio-to-street wear that blends comfort, movement, and style.

Lululemon.

PSG beat Arsenal, become Champions League winners for second time

The soccer match was played in Hungary's Puskas Arena, in Budapest, with goals scored by Arsenal's Kai Havertz and PSG's Ousmane Dembele.

Paris St Germain's Ousmane Dembele celebrates scoring their first goal.

Mid-season hire Kenny Miller seizes his moment, delivers trophy, and stability to Maccabi Tel Aviv

Kenny Miller capped a whirlwind spell at Maccabi Tel Aviv by guiding the yellow-and-blue to its 25th State Cup title. His future with the club remains uncertain despite success.

After taking over just a month ago, Kenny Miller guided Maccabi Tel Aviv to the State Cup title in his first stint as a head coach

Under fire: The resilience of Israel’s sports and education

Antisemitism and international boycotts jeopardize the future of Israel’s sporting sector.

ARI STEINBERG (R), Chairman of Wingate Sport Institute and CEO of Ashmoret, and the athletes who won medals at the 2025 World Games.