Argentine President Javier Milei will not attend Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, choosing instead to watch the match from his official residence in Olivos because of superstition.

Milei said he has watched all seven of Argentina’s matches in the tournament from home, with the defending champions winning every game. Believing the routine has brought the team luck, he said he will maintain it for the final.

The president also revealed he will wear the same heavy oil company-branded jacket he has used throughout the tournament. He recalled briefly taking it off during Argentina’s match against Switzerland because of the heat, after which the opposition scored. He said he immediately put the jacket back on and has not removed it during any match since.

Football superstitions, known in Argentina as cábalas, are common among fans, who often wear the same clothes, watch matches from the same location, or repeat specific routines throughout major tournaments in the belief that they bring good luck.

Milei’s decision also follows a long-standing tradition among Argentine presidents. Since former President Carlos Menem was blamed for bringing bad luck after visiting the national team before its shock defeat to Cameroon at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, sitting presidents have generally avoided attending crucial World Cup matches.

Argentina will face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final as they seek to retain the title they won four years ago. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.