Representative Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) trashed Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) for cheering on Mexico during its match against England in the 2026 World Cup on social media, saying it was "classic America Last pandering."
Kelly's Post and Match Results
On Sunday, Mexico played England in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals in Mexico City. Sen. Kelly joined a watch party in Tucson, which he posted on social media from his personal account, writing, "Lots of people out in Tucson to watch Mexico take on England. Tucson and La Rosa sure know how to do the World Cup!"
In two of the accompanying pictures, Sen. Kelly wore Mexico's emerald green kit jersey alongside his wife, former Representative Gabby Giffords (D-AZ).
England ultimately beat Mexico 3-2 in what the New York Times called "one of the best matches of the tournament."
Hamadeh's Response
Rep. Hamadeh was none too pleased with the Arizona Senator wearing the Mexican jersey, writing in a reply to Kelly's post, "Classic America Last pandering from a man who keeps forgetting who he's supposed to represent. Put the Mexico jersey away, Captain. Wear the Stars and Stripes — you’re in Tucson, Arizona, not Mexico City."
Hamadeh's Previous Attack on Kelly
In December, Rep. Hamadeh attacked Kelly for his appearance in a video telling servicemembers they have the right to refuse carrying out unlawful orders, allegedly insinuating that President Donald Trump would issue illegal military orders.
"The reason Democrats refuse to name what they consider to be illegal orders by President Trump is that they want our military and intelligence community to question EVERY order they receive from this administration," the Arizona congressman wrote. "The ambiguity 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕, [emphasis his]. They want to make our active-duty personnel hesitate to execute the agenda voted for by the American people, paralyzing these men and women with the threat of future punishment."
