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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Brittney Donovan

Why Argentine President Javier Milei declined to attend World Cup final

  • Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are attending the World Cup final at President Donald Trump’s request, suggesting that the event can help bridge geopolitical differences.
  • Sheinbaum confirmed her attendance, stating it was a direct invitation from the President of the United States. Trump, in his capacity as the head of state for the host nation, will present the trophy to the winning team, a customary role for tournament hosts.
  • The relationship between Trump and Spain is strained due to Spain's reluctance to meet NATO defence spending targets and its refusal to allow the US to launch strikes against Iran from its bases.
  • While Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez plans to attend the match, Argentine President Javier Milei , who is favoured by the Trump administration, will not be present, citing superstition.
  • Asked if he was attending the game, Milei replied, "No way. I'm going to keep watching all the games from Olivos.” He further elaborated on his superstition, saying, “Since it's cold and I don't turn on the heat, I wear an oil company-branded jacket. The day of the Switzerland game, it made me really hot. I took it off, and they scored a goal against us. I put it back on and never took it off again."

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