Argentina's first match of the World Cup was a shocking 1-2 defeat against Saudi Arabia, and although the king of the ball, Misi, scored for Argentina with a 12-yarder, he was still questioned by the fans after the match. In May this year, Mays was appointed as Saudi Arabia's tourism ambassador, with an annual endorsement fee of 25 million pounds. This partnership has caused a lot of controversy, especially as Saudi Arabia will compete with Argentina for the right to host the 2030 World Cup, and Mays has been accused of betraying Argentina for the huge endorsement fee.
According to The Athletic UK, after signing on as a Saudi Arabian in May, Mays instantly drew the ire of fans who felt that he should not be promoting Saudi Arabia, which has human rights issues, and that he played for the
Paris Saint Germain
The partnership, itself controlled by the Qatari royal family, is certainly a turnaround, and the most surprising thing for fans is the opportunity for Mays to represent Saudi Arabia and fall back on the fight with Argentina for the right to host the World Cup.
With the expansion of the number of teams for the next World Cup, the hosting of the tournament will be a multi-national event, with the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Argentina made it clear five years ago that it wanted to partner with Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile to host the tournament, and at the time, Mays and Uruguayan star Luis Suarez wore the No. 20 and No. 30 jerseys to promote the tournament before a game. However, Mays has agreed to be Saudi Arabia's ambassador, and one of his key projects is Vision 2030. Sources say Saudi Arabia will join Greece and Egypt in the bid, so Mays will have to fulfill his contract and will have to compete with Argentina.
