Natasha Chaalan, an Egyptian TikToker known as @natooshchaa, sparked outrage on social media after posting videos using a Lionel Messi jersey as a cleaning item. The gesture was interpreted by many users as disrespectful toward the Argentine captain.
The influencer showed different ways to reuse the garment after Egypt’s elimination against Argentina in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. In the footage, she can be seen cleaning windows, using the jersey as a mat, and suggesting using it on the floor as a mop.
The controversy grew because the match was very painful for Egypt. The team was leading 2-0 until the 79th minute, but Argentina came back and ended up winning 3-2. Messi was one of the standout players in the match, which increased the frustration among part of the Egyptian fan base.