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SportsArgentina President Milei to skip World Cup final due to superstition
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Argentine President Javier Milei has announced he will not travel to 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. His superstition extends to a cold ritual: during the Argentine winter, he does not heat the room and wears a thick YPF jacket, which he first wore during the quarterfinal against Switzerland. He claims that when he took the jacket off, Argentina conceded a goal, so he put it back on and has not removed it since. The article notes that such superstitious rituals, known as 'Cábalas,' are common in Argentine football culture, blending religious faith and superstition. Lionel Messi reportedly asked God for protection ahead of the tournament, and a journalist had his boots blessed at a major Catholic pilgrimage site.
Source report
Buenos Aires – Even the president is giving everything for the World Cup title. While heads of state of finalist nations typically travel to the venue to support their team, Argentina's President Javier Milei (55) is foregoing the trip. The reason: his superstition forbids it.
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 at Bild.de), everything remains as it was.
Milei Sticks to the 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 instead wears a thick jacket from the Argentine oil company YPF during matches. 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.
Source: MagentaTV, 16.07.2026
Argentina: Faith and Football Merge
President Milei, with his superstition and rituals, is a typical Argentine. The South Americans are incredibly passionate, especially about 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. They provide the illusion of having an influence on the unpredictable.
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 Skips World Cup Final Due to Superstition