Argentina's President Skips World Cup Final Due to Superstitions
Milei's Superstitious Decision
As Argentina prepares to compete against Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, President Javier Milei has opted out of attending the match in person. He declined a VIP invitation to join US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, citing a longstanding superstition. Instead, he will be watching the game from his official residence in Olivos, Argentina.
Milei has a unique tradition of viewing Argentina's last seven matches from this location, during which the team emerged victorious each time. He is determined not to disrupt this winning streak. Additionally, he adheres to a specific dress code on match days. In an interview with a local radio station, 'El Observatorio', he shared his peculiar ritual: "Despite the cold, I refrain from using the heater. Instead, I don a thick jacket featuring an oil company's logo," he explained.
During the match against Switzerland, he removed the jacket when he felt warm, only for Argentina to concede a goal shortly thereafter. He quickly put the jacket back on and has kept it on until the match concludes. His intention is to remain at home in that same jacket, hoping to witness Argentina claim the World Cup title for the second consecutive time. In Argentina, such beliefs are referred to as 'cabalas'.
Cultural Significance of Superstitions
For many Argentinians, football is a passion, and these superstitions are taken seriously as rituals aimed at ensuring the team's success. Fans often wear the same unwashed jersey or occupy the same seat for every game as long as the team continues to win. This practice is reminiscent of the 'totkas' that some Indian cricket fans observe to support Team India.
A Historical 'Curse' for Argentinian Presidents
There is a historical context behind why Argentinian presidents tend to avoid football stadiums. In 1990, during the World Cup opening match between Argentina and Cameroon, then-President Carlos Menem visited the players in the stadium. Argentina suffered an unexpected loss in that match.
Following this defeat, Menem was labeled a 'mufa', a term that signifies a jinx or someone who brings bad luck. Since that incident, no Argentinian president has dared to attend a national team final in person. President Milei is simply trying to avoid repeating this unfortunate history with his lucky jacket.