Unveiling Argentina's Soccer Superstitions: From Caramel Candies to a Chucky Doll

Argentina's soccer superstitions: From caramel candies to a Chucky doll in the dressing room Superstitions and sports have always shared a unique bond, and the world of football is no exception. From lucky charms to pre-game rituals, players and fans alike often turn to superstitions in the hope of influencing outcomes on the field. In South America, these beliefs are known as "cábala," and Argentina is a hotbed of superstitious practices, some of which have raised eyebrows and even caused a stir. Recently, Argentina's national team manager Lionel Scaloni revealed his own superstition - he always steps onto the playing surface with his right foot first, a habit he has maintained since the beginning of his football career. While this may seem harmless, not all Argentine soccer superstitions are as innocuous. In a bizarre turn of events, a man brought his deceased grandfather's skull to an Argentine football match between Boca Juniors and Racing de Avellaneda. The grandson, Gabriel Aranda, explained that his grandfather was a devoted Racing fan, and he believed that by bringing his skull to the stadium, his grandfather could "watch" the match and bring good luck to the team. This extreme act of devotion highlights the lengths to which some fans will go in the name of superstition. The Argentina national team, led by superstar Lionel Messi, also has its share of superstitions. Following their victory in the 2021 Copa America, a tradition was born where AFA president Claudio Tapia, Messi, and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul would pose together before important matches. This ritual has continued through subsequent games, with the trio posing for a photo on the eve of the 2022 World Cup final against France. Another superstition that gained prominence within the team involved midfielder De Paul and his teammates eating caramel candies before matches. This sweet ritual began during the 2021 Copa America and has since become a staple part of Argentina's pre-game routine. Despite a setback when Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia in Qatar, the players continued with their superstition and ultimately emerged victorious in the World Cup. One particularly eerie superstition involves a Chucky doll that has been traveling with the Argentina national team since the 2021 Copa America. Initially believed to bring bad luck, the doll was eventually embraced by the team after a kit man's son insisted it was actually a symbol of good luck. The doll has since become a fixture in the team's dressing room, even making appearances in celebratory photos after important victories. Even Lionel Messi, arguably one of the greatest footballers of all time, has his own superstitious tendencies. From drinking maté with teammate De Paul at a specific time each morning to enlisting former strike partner Sergio Aguero for good luck before a crucial match, Messi's superstitions offer a glimpse into the personal rituals of a sporting icon. While superstitions may seem irrational to some, they hold a special significance for many in the world of football. Whether it's stepping onto the field with the right foot first or carrying a Chucky doll for luck, these beliefs add an intriguing layer of mystique to the beautiful game. As Argentina continues its footballing journey, one thing is certain - superstitions will always have a place in the hearts of players and fans alike.