Politicians' rituals for watching Argentina's World Cup match

Argentina's political elite is caught up in World Cup fever, with leaders across the spectrum preparing to watch the national team's crucial quarterfinal match against Switzerland on Saturday night.

From President Javier Milei and his sister Karina Milei to opposition figures like Sergio Massa and Axel Kicillof, politicians are setting aside their duties to follow Lionel Scaloni's squad. Superstitions, familiar viewing spots, and family gatherings are part of the pre-game rituals that will unfold before the match kicks off in Kansas City.

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I've been watching Argentina's matches, that's all.

President Milei, a self-proclaimed admirer of Scaloni's leadership, revealed his viewing plans during a radio interview. "I've been watching Argentina's matches, that's all," he stated, adding that he has only watched one other World Cup game, featuring Norway's Erling Haaland. He confirmed his intention to watch the match with his sister at the presidential residence in Olivos, a ritual that has "worked so far."

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I'm trying to watch all the games in Olivos; so far it works.

"I cried, I was moved to tears," the president admitted after the previous match against Egypt, describing the tense comeback victory. "We watched the game here with my sister, in Olivos; what a way to suffer," he added, emphasizing the team's resilience: "They showed that they don't have to count us out, never."

When asked about potential fear regarding the match against Switzerland, Milei responded, "Fear God, nothing else; afterwards, on the field, they are all equal, so to speak, you have to go and win every game, it's game by game." He expressed confidence in Argentina's chances, citing the presence of "the best football player of all time" in Lionel Messi and the coach's "extraordinary leadership capacity."

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I cried, I was moved to tears.

Other political figures are also sticking to their routines. Chief of Staff Diego Santilli, described as "super superstitious," will watch the game at his father's home. Hugo Santilli is a former president of the River Plate club. Similarly, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Martín Menem, will watch with his father, Eduardo Menem, a former senator. Both are described as "very superstitious."

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They showed that they don't have to count us out, never.