The 2026 World Cup has only just begun, but an unusual story in Argentina has quickly captured the attention of football fans worldwide.

Dozens of Argentinian fans who had eagerly planned to travel to the US to support their team were shocked to receive devastating news when their visa applications were denied. However, amidst their disappointment, they were unexpectedly given a special gift: completely free TVs.

This rather unusual idea came from Newsan, one of Argentina’s major electronics companies. The company launched a program to give away Noblex TVs to fans who could prove their US visa applications were rejected.

According to the rules, the first 100 fans who brought proof of their visa rejection to the company’s office in Buenos Aires would receive a new TV.

The campaign quickly became a sensation thanks to its unique slogan: “Give us your rejected visa and get a free TV.”

Images circulating on social media showed many fans happily posing with their newly received TVs. The boxes were also taped with humorous messages like “Visa denied” and “TV approved,” turning the disappointment of not being able to attend the World Cup into a memorable experience.

CĐV Argentina bị từ chối visa đến World Cup 2026 xem Messi bất ngờ được tặng TV miễn phí - Ảnh 1.Some lucky fans who were denied entry into the US to watch the World Cup will be given free televisions. (Source: Reuters) Some lucky fans who were denied entry into the US to watch the World Cup will be given free televisions. (Source: Reuters)

CĐV Argentina bị từ chối visa đến World Cup 2026 xem Messi bất ngờ được tặng TV miễn phí - Ảnh 2.The reigning World Cup champions entered the tournament with full confidence (Photo: Getty) The reigning World Cup champions entered the tournament with full confidence (Photo: Getty)

For Argentinian fans, the 2026 World Cup holds a far more special meaning than any ordinary tournament. It’s considered the final World Cup of Lionel Messi’s career, the player who led the Albiceleste to victory in Qatar in 2022.

Therefore, thousands of fans have tried everything to travel to the US, Canada, and Mexico to witness the 38-year-old superstar’s final steps on the biggest stage in world football.

However, not everyone was able to fulfill that dream. Tomas Vageller, a 24-year-old professional gamer, was one of those denied a visa. He shared his regret: “I applied for a visa because we all thought this would be Messi’s last World Cup. It’s sad that I can’t see it firsthand. But oh well, at least I’ll go home with a gift.”

Although unable to be in the stands in the US, these fans will still support the Argentinian team in a very special way: watching Messi and his teammates from their living rooms on brand-new TVs.

Meanwhile, Argentina prepares to defend their title with their opening match against Algeria. For many fans stuck at home, the free TV is perhaps a rare consolation for their unfulfilled World Cup dreams. But more than anything, what they look forward to is witnessing Messi write the final chapters of his legendary career.