​Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, will not attend Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain for superstition reasons. When asked by radio station El Observador whether he would travel to the United States for the match in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Milei replied, “No, definitely not.” He said he plans to follow the final from home, just as he has done with the previous games, and confirmed that this is part of a personal routine intended to bring the Albiceleste good luck.
Among Milei’s rituals is wearing the same jacket for the matches. He explained that he removed the jacket during the quarterfinal against Switzerland, after which Argentina conceded a goal, and he subsequently put it back on and has not taken it off since. This practice, known locally as cábalas, is a common superstition among Argentine football fans, many of whom watch games from the same place or wear the same clothing in hopes of a favorable outcome.
In addition to his personal superstition, Milei indicated that if Argentina wins on Sunday, the presidential palace, the Casa Rosada, would be made available to the team. He said that he would completely vacate the space and that politicians should not appropriate this moment of national celebration for themselves. Milei stressed that this is a gesture to ensure the team’s celebration remains with the players and fans, rather than being tied to political symbolism.
The president’s stance reflects a broader cultural phenomenon in Argentina, where superstitions and rituals are deeply embedded in football culture. Cábalas—a mix of prayers, lucky items, and routine behaviors—are believed by many fans to influence performance on the field. Milei’s personal adherence to these rituals underscores a personal and national belief in luck and preparation as crucial elements of Argentina’s World Cup campaign.
As the world awaits the final, supporters across Argentina hope to seal back-to-back titles, building on a season of dramatic moments and memorable performances. Milei’s decision not to travel to the United States aligns with his commitment to the team’s focus and momentum, while still reinforcing the message that the national celebration should belong to the players and the country at large, not to political office or spectacle.