Javier Milei stayed away from the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain because he feared breaking the superstition that had followed his country throughout the tournament.

The Argentine president watched the match from the Quinta de Olivos, his official residence outside Buenos Aires, rather than travelling to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

His decision did not bring the desired result. Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 after extra time to win their second World Cup title.

Milei refused to break his ritual

According to UNILAD journalist Britt Jones, Milei had watched Argentina’s previous matches from the same location and was determined not to change his routine for the final.

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When asked whether he would fly to the United States, Milei reportedly replied: “No way.”

“I’m going to keep watching all the games from Olivos,” he added.

His ritual even included wearing the same jacket during matches.

“Since it’s cold and I don’t turn on the heat, I wear an oil company-branded jacket,” Milei explained. “The day of the Switzerland game, it made me really hot. I took it off, and they scored a goal against us. I put it back on and never took it off again.”

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Such rituals, commonly known as cábalas in Argentina, are a familiar part of the country’s football culture. Milei therefore watched the final in the same surroundings and clothing that had accompanied Argentina’s route to New Jersey.

Trump joined the trophy presentation

Donald Trump, the serving president of the United States, took a far more visible role at the final.

Before the match, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Trump would join him during the trophy presentation. As quoted by UNILAD, Infantino said:

“Yes, hopefully we’ll present the trophy together in the final. That’s always been the plan, and that’s how it’s always been done in the past – the president of the country where the final is held presents the trophy together with the Fifa president.”

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Trump subsequently appeared on the podium and took part in the trophy handover after Spain’s victory. According to Entertainment Weekly’s account of the ceremony, he remained close to the Spanish players as they celebrated with the trophy.

The contrast was striking. While Milei stayed thousands of miles away to protect a football superstition, Trump placed himself at the centre of the final ceremony.

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