Argentine president Javier Milei has bizarrely claimed he can’t attend Sunday’s World Cup final in New York due to his superstitious belief that he may cause the team to lose if he is in the stands.
Instead, the controversial right-wing libertarian – who famously wielded a chainsaw as part of his 2023 campaign rallies – will choose to stay at home as his country take on Spain, where he has watched the reigning champions’ previous seven games… all wins.
In a bid to help his nation’s beloved team secure a second consecutive title, Milei added that he’ll be wearing the same heavy jacket, too.
Fans and players around the world cling to superstitions they believe can bring good luck to their team – or misfortune to their opponents.
But in Latin America, and particularly in Argentina, so-called ‘cabalas,’ or ritualistic beliefs and habits, carry unusual weight, reflecting the intensity with which many watch their national team.
When asked Thursday whether he’d travel to New Jersey for Sunday’s game to watch alongside his close ally US President Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, as was widely expected, Milei replied, ‘No way.’