This Photo Does Not Show Messi Arriving in Doha to Attend Qatar vs. Algeria Match
The Claim
This photo depicts Argentine footballer Lionel Messi arriving in Qatar to watch the Qatar versus Algeria match.
News posted on
Emerging story
Facebook accounts have recently circulated a photo alleging that it showed Argentine professional football player Lionel Messi as he arrived in Qatar to attend the Qatar versus Algeria match as part of the semifinals for the Arab Cup 2021.
Photo Description: The screenshots show the alleged photo being shared on Facebook.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulated claim and found it misleading. The photo depicting Argentine football player Messi was taken during his visit to the Expo 2020 Dubai on Dec 13. The star footballer then met with Mr. Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, minister of state for tolerance and commissioner-general of Expo 2020 Dubai, and Ms. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, minister of culture and youth.
Arab and Western media have reported that Messi did indeed visit the Qatari capital, Doha, arriving from the United Arab Emirates.
The French club Paris Saint-Germain star was seen in a jewelry store in the Pearl in Qatar on December 14, and the news of his stay to attend the Qatar-Algeria match held on December 15 was not confirmed.
Translated by Ahmed N. A. Almassri
