Why Argentina President is skipping the World Cup final despite Trump's presence
Argentine President Javier Milei has decided to skip the World Cup final to maintain his personal superstitions, which he believes have contributed to the team's winning streak. He will watch the match from his residence in Buenos Aires rather than joining world leaders in New Jersey.
Why it matters
The story illustrates the intersection of high-stakes international politics and the deeply ingrained, often irrational, sports culture in Argentina.
Argentine President Javier Milei will not be in the stands for Sunday's FIFA World Cup final against Spain despite invitations to join US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino in New Jersey. Instead, Milei says he will remain at the presidential residence in Buenos Aires, convinced that sticking to his match-day routine gives Argentina the best chance of retaining the World Cup.The Argentine leader revealed on Thursday that superstition — known locally as cábalas — is the sole reason behind his decision to miss football's biggest match.
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