Argentine Company Gives Away Free TVs to 100 Fans Denied US Visas

Dozens of Argentinians denied visas to travel to the United States for the World Cup will at least receive a new free television to watch the matches.

Argentine company Newsan pledged to distribute televisions from their local brand, Noblex, to the first 100 individuals who presented themselves at their Buenos Aires office with documentation proving their US visa application was rejected between January and June of this year. “Give us your denied visa and get a free TV,” read a company advertisement on Instagram.

One of the fortunate recipients was Tomás Wageler, a 24-year-old professional gamer. “I went to get a visa because we all believe this will be Messi’s last World Cup,” he recounted, adding, “It’s very sad that I won’t be able to see him live, but I’m still leaving with a gift.”

In three-time world champions Argentina, World Cup fever is unusually subdued just days before the tournament kicks off in North America – far less intense than in 2022, which many saw as the country’s last hope to win the tournament with Messi at the helm.