Khabib’s wording placed politics at the centre of a sporting occasion involving Spain and Argentina. That distinction matters: the posts appear to signal a preference, but they do not amount to an explicit declaration naming Spain.
For supporters, the message was clear enough. For others, it was another example of social media encouraging audiences to read intention into carefully phrased posts. Either way, Khabib’s words have become part of the final’s wider narrative.
The story became more complicated after Khabib reportedly shared a phrase attributed to Diego Maradona: “No meu coração, sou palestino”. He then added the caption “O único da Argentina”, presenting the post as a tribute to the country’s most iconic football figure.
Those messages are not necessarily contradictory. Admiration for Maradona can exist alongside a different view of the political issues surrounding the final. The report says the sequence separated Khabib’s respect for Argentina’s legendary No. 10 from his apparent stance on the Palestinian cause.
Ultimately, Khabib’s posts cannot influence the result. The final will be decided by the contest between Spain’s youthful energy and Argentina’s experience, not by the loyalties of a celebrated figure from another sport.
The next storyline to watch is whether the political debate fades once the ball is kicked. If the match delivers the spectacle expected, Khabib’s posts may become a footnote. If tensions rise around the occasion, they could remain part of the final’s identity long after the winner is crowned.