Israel upset over Argentina World Cup snub

The sports-crazed nation of Israel was in uproar Wednesday over Argentina’s abrupt cancellation of a World Cup warmup match following pro-Palestinian protests, with some of the country’s leaders accusing Lionel Messi and his teammates of caving to terrorism.

Israel was eagerly awaiting the sold-out international friendly scheduled for Saturday night at Jerusalem’s Teddy Kollek Stadium and the arrival of some of the world’s best players. Argentina is one of the most popular national teams among Israelis and fans had been scrambling to get a chance to see Messi in person.

But after a fierce Palestinian campaign, which included images of Argentina’s white and sky-blue striped jersey stained with red paint resembling blood and threats to burn Messi posters, Argentina’s football federation announced it was skipping the event.

Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, apologized for canceling the match but said the safety of the players was at stake.

NFL TWO EAGLES PLANNED WHITE HOUSE VISIT » Eagles players and officials made individual decisions to not go to the White House for a scheduled celebration of their Super Bowl title, leaving two players actually planning to make the trip to Washington before the visit was canceled by President Donald Trump, according to players and a person familiar with the arrangements.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because of the sensitivity of the issues.

All-Pro center Jason Kelce said players filled out forms anonymously indicating whether they wanted to go to the White House, not make the trip or go to Washington and do something else.

HORSE RACING

JUSTIFY ARRIVES » Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Justify arrived in New York on Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s Belmont Stakes, in which the colt will try to sweep the Triple Crown.

Justify traveled smoothly to Belmont Park via a flight from Louisville, Kentucky, and a van ride from an airport on Long Island. He was greeted by a throng of media recording every step as he walked into Barn 1, the same place American Pharoah stayed before ending the sport’s 37year drought with a Triple Crown sweep in 2015 and becoming the 12th horse to achieve the feat.

“It’s just a different vibe,” said Bob Baffert, who also trained Pharoah. “It’s like we know it can be done.”