Former adult film star Mia Khalifa has collected a staggering $1.6 million (approximately £1.2 million) after placing a $1 million bet on Spain to beat Argentina in the World Cup final. The match, held at the New York New Jersey stadium on July 19, saw Spain win 1-0 in extra time thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres.
Khalifa's Bet and Support for Spain
Khalifa attended the final wearing a Barcelona shirt with the name of teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal on the back. She had been rooting against Argentina since the semi-final stages and placed her bet on Spain at odds of 1.65 with betting site 1Win, for which she is an ambassador. She shared images of her winning bet and match experience on Instagram, writing: “Believed and won big. So proud of my home country Spain (not a drop of Spanish blood in me).”
Reasons for Rooting Against Argentina
In posts leading up to the final, Khalifa explained her opposition to Argentina, which she dubbed “VARgentina,” citing a “love of the game of hating.” She wrote on 1Win: “I’m a little witchy so I love the fact that some outlet reported that Lamine Yamal is 19, playing on the 19th, wearing number 19. Numbers don’t lie!!!! ... if I have to pick a lesser of two colonial evils, I think VARgentina are the far worse!! I’m hoping for a 3-1 Spain final, with a goal from Lamine Yamal, and another post game slap for an Argentina player.”
Bellingham Incident and Shirt Plan
Khalifa also expressed admiration for England midfielder Jude Bellingham after he appeared to slap Argentina's Valentin Barco following England's semi-final defeat on July 15. She stated she might buy a Bellingham shirt, commenting: “The might buy a Bellingham kit just for that slap lmfaoooooooo.”
