Visa Denied, TV Guaranteed: The Story of the Argentines Who'll Watch Messi's Last World Cup From Home
An Argentine company is promising 100 TVs to fans whose US visa applications were rejected. Here's what's at stake for Messi's side at the 2026 World Cup.
For hundreds of Argentine fans, the 2026 World Cup will unfold far from the stadiums — not for lack of desire, but because of a denied visa. Faced with that reality, conglomerate Newsan decided to turn frustration into a gesture: the company promised to give away 100 televisions to people who can prove, with documentation, that their US visa application was rejected between January and June of this year. The campaign was announced on the company's social media with a straightforward message: hand over your visa denial and take home a TV.
According to ge.globo.com, one of the recipients is Tomas Vagller, a 24-year-old esports professional who applied for a visa believing this will be Lionel Messi's last World Cup. He made no secret of his sadness at being unable to watch his idol in person, but admitted he will at least walk away with a gift. The problem, however, extends beyond ordinary fans: delegation members and even referee Omar Abdulkadir of Somalia faced visa difficulties. The Senegal delegation also drew attention after being subjected to what was described as a more rigorous than usual inspection upon entering the United States.
For Argentina, the sporting context makes everything feel even weightier. The national team is chasing a fourth world title and a second consecutive one — an unprecedented feat in World Cup history. Golmetria's model gives Argentina a 13.43% chance of lifting the trophy, the highest among the South American sides analysed, with a 94.68% probability of advancing from the group stage. The market, meanwhile, places Argentina's implied probability of winning the tournament at 7.49%.
Argentina's opening match is scheduled for the 16th at 22:00 (Brasília time) against Algeria in Group J. It will be the first real test of whether Messi and company have what it takes to repeat the feat of Qatar — and for those who stayed home, at least the TV will be on.