Argentina’s World Cup Superstitions: The Lucky Rituals Powering Lionel Messi and La Albiceleste

Football is often decided by tactics, talent, and determination. But for Argentina, belief has become just as important.

As Lionel Messi and Argentina chase another FIFA World Cup title, the squad continues to embrace rituals, traditions, and superstitions. From lucky boots and sacred blessings to pre-match sweets, holy incense, and even avoiding chicken, the reigning world champions rely on familiar routines to create the right mindset for success.

Whether these customs truly influence results or simply strengthen confidence, one thing is certain: Argentina’s football culture has become as famous as its performances on the pitch.

The Meaning of “Cabala” in Argentine Football

In Argentina, superstition is known as cabala—a tradition deeply rooted in the country’s sporting culture.

Cabala refers to any habit, routine, or ritual believed to bring good fortune. It can involve food, clothing, prayers, lucky objects, or repeated actions before every match.

For players and supporters alike, these rituals create comfort during football’s biggest moments. While science cannot prove their effectiveness, many believe they help reduce pressure and maintain confidence.

The Curse That Haunted Argentina for Decades

One of Argentina’s most famous football stories dates back to the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

Before the tournament, members of Diego Maradona’s squad reportedly visited the Shrine of the Virgin of Copacabana, promising to return if they became world champions.

Argentina lifted the trophy—but the team never fulfilled that promise.

Over the following decades, the national side reached several major finals without lifting another World Cup, finishing runners-up in 1990 and 2014, and suffering heartbreak in other international tournaments. Many supporters linked those disappointments to the unfulfilled vow.

Everything changed in 2022.

After Messi finally led Argentina to World Cup glory, Argentine Football Association president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia reportedly visited several religious shrines with the trophy to express gratitude, symbolically ending the long-standing curse.

Rodrigo De Paul’s Lucky Sweet Tradition

Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul shares one of the squad’s most unusual pre-match routines with teammate Leandro Paredes.

Before kickoff, the pair chew exactly 14 sweets while standing in the center circle.

The tradition comes from De Paul’s childhood. His grandfather used to give him coins after school so he could buy sweets on the way home.

Years later, De Paul discovered those coins had actually been his grandfather’s bus fare. Instead of taking the bus, his grandfather chose to walk home so his grandson could enjoy the treat.

That emotional memory has become one of Argentina’s most recognizable matchday rituals.

Messi’s Blessed Boots

Lionel Messi has his own symbolic tradition.

Before Argentina’s successful 2022 World Cup campaign, journalist Walter Queijeiro arranged for Messi’s special boots—known as El Último Tango (The Last Tango)—to receive a blessing at the Basilica of Luján, one of Argentina’s most important religious sites.

The blessing became another memorable step in Messi’s journey to finally winning football’s biggest prize.

President Javier Milei Refuses to Change His Routine

Even Argentina’s president follows his own lucky habits during the World Cup.

Javier Milei has chosen to watch matches from home rather than attend games in person.

According to his own explanation, he also refuses to stop wearing a particular oil-company jacket after believing it helped reverse Argentina’s fortunes during an earlier match.

For many football fans, changing a winning routine simply is not worth the risk.

Messi’s Familiar Instagram Message

After Argentina reached another World Cup final, Messi celebrated on Instagram, thanking supporters and encouraging the team ahead of the championship match.

Fans quickly noticed something interesting.

The caption was almost identical to the one Messi posted after Argentina defeated Croatia to reach the 2022 World Cup Final.

Supporters saw the repeated message as another deliberate cabala, hoping history would repeat itself with another championship victory.

The Famous Chicken Ban

Few football superstitions are as legendary as Carlos Bilardo’s strict ban on chicken.

During Argentina’s preparation for the 1986 World Cup, Bilardo reportedly became convinced that eating chicken brought bad luck.

The eccentric coach completely removed it from the team’s menu throughout the tournament.

Argentina went on to become world champions, making the unusual decision part of football folklore.

Lionel Scaloni Always Steps With His Right Foot

Current Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni also follows a personal tradition.

Before entering the pitch, he always steps onto the field with his right foot first.

Scaloni has explained that he has followed this habit since his playing career and has no intention of changing it, regardless of the result.

Simple routines like this can help athletes feel mentally prepared before competition.

Holy Smoke Inside the Argentina Camp

Defenders Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez reportedly use palo santo, a sacred wood traditionally burned as incense in South America.

The fragrant smoke is believed to cleanse negative energy and create a peaceful atmosphere.

According to reports, the players carry incense around the team hotel before major matches, using the quiet moments for meditation and relaxation.

Whether spiritual or psychological, the practice has become part of Argentina’s preparations for the World Cup.

Returning to the Same Hotel

Winning teams often avoid changing anything that appears successful.

During the 2024 Copa América, Argentina stayed at the Hilton Short Hills in New Jersey.

The experience proved memorable, and for the closing stages of the 2026 World Cup, the squad reportedly returned to the same hotel.

Keeping the same rooms, routines, and surroundings reflects the team’s commitment to preserving every element tied to previous success.

Emiliano Martínez’s Signature Hair Design

Goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez is famous for expressing national pride through his hairstyle.

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he shaved Argentina’s blue-and-white flag into his hair.

He repeated the design during Copa América 2024 and has once again embraced the patriotic look for another World Cup campaign.

The distinctive haircut has become one of his trademarks in major tournaments.

Asado: Bringing Home Wherever They Play

Football is only part of Argentina’s team culture.

The squad continues the tradition of hosting an asado, Argentina’s famous outdoor barbecue, before important matches.

The gathering brings together teammates, coaches, and staff around grilled meat, music, and conversation.

Beyond the meal itself, the tradition strengthens friendships and creates a familiar atmosphere, even when the tournament is thousands of miles from home.

Many players believe these moments help build unity before stepping onto the pitch, adding another layer to Argentina’s shared matchday routine.

Fans Have Rituals Too

Argentina’s supporters are just as passionate about superstition.

Some make the cuernitos, or “little horns,” hand gesture, believing it can bring bad luck to opposing teams.

Others place the name of an upcoming opponent inside a freezer, hoping to “freeze” their performance.

However, many fans avoid rituals aimed at harming rivals, believing that negative actions could bring bad karma back to Argentina.

Can Superstitions Really Win Matches?

There is no scientific evidence that lucky rituals determine football results.

Championships are won through preparation, teamwork, tactical discipline, and moments of individual brilliance.

Still, psychologists often note that familiar routines can improve confidence, reduce anxiety, and help athletes remain focused under intense pressure.

For Argentina, these traditions are more than superstitions—they are part of the team’s identity.

As Messi and his teammates pursue football history, their lucky habits show that belief comes in many forms. Whether it is blessed boots, sacred incense, childhood sweets, or a favorite jacket, every ritual tells a story about a nation where football is far more than just a game.

For Argentina, success is built not only on talent but also on tradition, togetherness, and the enduring power of cabala.