In the lead-up to Argentina’s next match at the 2026 World Cup, a group of Brazilian fans decided to turn to one of the most curious traditions in South American soccer: the famous “jinx”.
Images began circulating on social media showing Brazilian supporters placing symbols and messages of support for the Argentine national team in unusual places, all with the intention of bringing bad luck to Lionel Messi’s team.
The initiative quickly went viral, but it sparked an unexpected reaction among fans. Many recalled that something very similar happened just a few days ago with Ecuador.
Does the “jinx” work in reverse?
Before facing Ivory Coast, several Ecuadorian fans placed their country’s jersey on the famous Rocky Balboa statue in Philadelphia. The action was celebrated by some as a show of confidence, but others saw it as a provocation to the supposed “spirit” of the iconic character.
The result is already known: Ecuador ended up losing the match, and social media was quick to blame — jokingly — the statue’s intervention.
Now, with Brazilians trying to do something similar against Argentina, many fans believe they could be repeating the same mistake.
“After what happened with Ecuador, I wouldn’t touch any statue”, one user wrote. Others went further and claimed that every time someone tries to bring bad luck to a rival, they end up hurting their own team instead.
Between superstition and fun
Although this is obviously a soccer tradition taken humorously, the story once again showed how much weight superstitions carry in South American soccer.
And while Argentina gets ready to take the field again, social media has already posed the million-dollar question:
Are the Brazilians jinxing Argentina… or are they jinxing themselves?
Here is the video of the Brazilians: