Higuain praises Argentine officials for cancelling friendly against Israel

Forward Gonzalo Higuain confirmed reports that Argentina's final World Cup warm-up match against Israel has been cancelled amid mounting political pressure.

Pro-Palestinian groups voiced their anger over the match, which was to be played in Jerusalem on Saturday, and the head of the Palestinian Football Association encouraged fans to burn Lionel Messi memorabilia.

The Argentine Football Association had yet to announce the cancellation before Higuain confirmed the match has been called off.

"They’ve finally done the right thing," Higuain told ESPN, as translated by Reuters.

The announcement was reportedly met with celebrations in Gaza and the Palestinian FA praised the decision.

A statement, as translated by the Guardian, read: “The Palestinian FA thanks Argentina’s players led by star Messi for refusing to be used to serve a non-sporting goal."

Argentina will face Iceland, Nigeria, and Croatia in Group D when the World Cup kicks off later this month.