Argentine President Javier Milei will not attend the World Cup final on Sunday, citing a superstitious belief that his presence in the stands could cause his country to lose. Milei, a controversial right-wing libertarian known for his use of a chainsaw during his 2023 campaign, has watched all seven of Argentina's previous World Cup games from his presidential residence in Olivos, a streak that has coincided with victories for the national team.
"No way," Milei stated when asked if he would travel to New Jersey for the match, where he might have been expected to meet with allies including former U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "I'm going to keep watching all the games from Olivos."
Milei explained his decision further, referencing another ritual: wearing the same heavy jacket throughout the tournament. He noted that he felt uncomfortably hot during a game against Switzerland, removed the jacket, and shortly after, Argentina conceded a goal. He put the jacket back on, and has not removed it since.
Superstitions, known as 'cabalas' in Argentina, carry significant weight in Latin American culture, particularly during high-stakes sporting events. These rituals can range from wearing the same clothing for every match, refusing to wash jerseys, or watching games from a specific spot. Some fans engage in more active rituals, such as freezing figurines of opposing players.
Argentine presidents have historically been cautious about attending crucial national team matches. This tradition dates back to the 1990 World Cup, when then-President Carlos Menem visited the team before an opening loss to Cameroon. Menem was subsequently labeled a 'mufa,' or jinx, and no sitting Argentine president has attended a national team match since.
Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is confirmed to attend the final. His attendance comes amid ongoing diplomatic discussions with the United States, particularly concerning NATO defense spending. Sánchez is expected to meet with Trump, whose administration has previously criticized Spain's defense contributions. The Spanish royal family, including King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofia, will also be present at the match.