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I am writing as someone who has followed the GDN for many years and, for a long time, considered it one of my favourite news sources in Bahrain.
However, recently I have become increasingly uncomfortable with the tone of some of your social media posts, particularly those related to Argentina and Lionel Messi.
I understand that sports can be emotional, and that controversy generates engagement. But some of your recent headlines and posts appear to go beyond simply reporting the news. They seem deliberately designed to create controversy, resentment and even hatred towards Argentina and Messi.
For example, posts focusing on a referee’s ‘perfect Messi record’ or presenting Argentina as being constantly surrounded by controversy may technically be based on facts, but the way these stories are presented – and the decision to repeatedly highlight this specific angle – creates a very clear narrative.
It is especially disappointing because the GDN has always been a respected news outlet. When a media organisation begins to appear as though it is trying to create hate rather than inform, people naturally begin to question its journalism and editorial decisions.
And I am not speaking only about myself. I am part of a large Latin American and international community here in Bahrain, and these posts are regularly being shared in WhatsApp groups with comments from people asking: “What happened to the GDN?” “Why has it become so anti-Argentina and anti-Messi?”
The perception is becoming widespread – not only among Argentinians, but also among many Latinos and football fans from different countries.
Of course, you are free to publish whatever content you choose. But as a former loyal reader and someone who genuinely respected the GDN, I believe it is important to tell you how this is being perceived by a significant part of your audience.
News organisations have the power to inform, but also to influence how people feel about countries, communities and individuals. In the current climate, where creating outrage and hate has unfortunately become a very effective way to generate engagement, I sincerely hope the GDN will choose journalism over provocation.
I hope you will take this feedback seriously and reflect on whether your recent coverage is truly informing your audience – or simply encouraging people to hate Argentina and Messi.
A concerned long-time reader and Latin American community member in Bahrain
Editor’s note: The FIFA World Cup Finals 2026 have been under scrutiny and criticism from many quarters, not only the GDN.
I hope our two-page spread yesterday on Pages 6 & 7, celebrating captain Messi’s magic, will show how unbiased our coverage remains.
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