Argentinian Football: A World of Superstitions Unveiled

Argentinian Football: A World of Superstitions Unveiled

Argentinian football is a world of superstitions, from skulls on the field to Chucky dolls in the dressing room. Embracing bizarre rituals for luck is part of the nation's passion for the sport.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros

Juan Brignardello Vela

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, y Vargas Llosa, premio Nobel Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, en celebración de Alianza Lima Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro Eléctrica Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro
Sports 28.06.2024

Argentinians have long been known for their passion for football, and it seems this fervor extends to their superstitions surrounding the sport. From stepping onto the field with a preferred foot first to more elaborate rituals involving skulls and Chucky dolls, the world of Argentine soccer is steeped in superstitions that range from the bizarre to the morbid. One of the most striking examples of these superstitions is the case of Gabriel Aranda, who brought his deceased grandfather's skull to a Copa de la Liga semifinal match to ensure his ancestor could "watch" the game. This extreme display of devotion to his grandfather's favorite team, Racing, highlights the lengths some fans will go to for good luck. On the national team level, superstitions have also played a role in Argentina's recent victories. The tradition of posing for a photo before key matches, started by AFA president Claudio Tapia, Lionel Messi, and Rodrigo De Paul, has become a superstitious ritual that the team believes brings them luck. Similarly, the tradition of eating caramel candies before games, started by midfielders De Paul, Leandro Paredes, and Alejandro 'Papu' Gomez during the 2021 Copa America, has become a pre-game ritual that the players swear by. Even Lionel Messi, arguably Argentina's greatest footballer, has his own superstitious habits. From drinking maté with De Paul at a specific time to enlisting the help of his former strike partner Sergio Aguero to sleep in his room before the World Cup final against France, Messi's superstitions reflect the importance of routine and luck in his preparation for matches. Perhaps one of the most eerie superstitions within the Argentina national team is the presence of a Chucky doll in their dressing room. Initially believed to bring bad luck, the doll was later embraced by the team after a staff member's son insisted it brought good fortune. The image of the Chucky doll seated next to a bottle of champagne after a victory exemplifies the quirky blend of superstition and celebration that has become synonymous with the team. As Argentina continues its journey in the Copa America and beyond, these superstitions are likely to remain a fascinating aspect of the team's identity. Whether they truly bring luck or are simply part of a psychological game, one thing is certain: superstitions and football in Argentina go hand in hand, creating a unique tapestry of beliefs that add an extra layer of intrigue to the beautiful game.

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