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SportsArgentina President Milei will not attend World Cup final due to superstition
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Argentina President Javier Milei has announced he will not attend the 2026 World Cup final, citing superstition. Milei told Argentine radio station El Observador that 'under no circumstances' would he break his lucky ritual of watching matches from the presidential residence in Buenos Aires. He also revealed he does not heat his residence during the Argentine winter and wears a thick YPF jacket during games, which he first wore in the quarterfinal against Switzerland. When he briefly removed the jacket, Argentina conceded a goal, so he has kept it on since. The article also discusses Argentina's football superstition culture, known as 'Cábalas,' and notes that Lionel Messi asked God for protection before the World Cup, while a journalist had his boots blessed at a Catholic basilica.
Source report
Buenos Aires – Even the president is giving his all for the World Cup title. While it is customary for heads of state of the finalists to travel to the venue to support their team, Argentina's President Javier Milei (55) is forgoing the trip. The reason: superstition.
Until now, Milei has watched the Albiceleste from his presidential residence in Buenos Aires. That approach has brought luck, so for the final (Sunday, 9 PM, ZDF/MagentaTV and live ticker on Bild.de), everything stays as it was.
Milei Sticks to Cold Ritual
"Under no circumstances" would he break his lucky ritual of watching World Cup matches from the presidential residence in Buenos Aires, Milei told Argentine radio station El Observador.
The superstition goes even further. During the current Argentine winter, Milei does not use heating and wears a thick jacket from the Argentine oil company YPF during the games. He first wore the garment during the quarterfinal against Switzerland, which Argentina won 3-1.
"When I took it off, we conceded a goal, so I put it back on and haven't taken it off since," he added.
President Milei, with his superstition and rituals, is a typical Argentine. The South Americans are known for their intense passion, especially for football. Superstitious rituals, known in Argentina as "Cábalas," are part of football culture for many fans. The Cábalas serve to alleviate the fear and uncertainty associated with events beyond one's control – such as a football match – and provide the illusion of having influence over the unpredictable.
Argentina: Faith and Football Merge
Religious faith and superstition are often intertwined in these rituals. Ahead of the World Cup, Lionel Messi (39) asked God for protection, while journalist Walter Queijeiro brought a model of his Adidas football boots – called "El Último Tango" – to be blessed at the Basílica de Luján, one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in Argentina.
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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Argentina President Milei Will Not Attend World Cup Final Due to Superstition