Shocking and disastrous, as a way to describe today’s result, would be an understatement when you consider the weight of the mission at hand for Messi and the Albiceleste. The expectations couldn’t be higher in representing a fútbol-obsessed country while living under the omnipresent shadow of Argentine soccer god Diego Armando Maradona.

But what if Argentina’s struggles aren’t the result of Messi’s gameplay but rather a curse stemming from a broken promise after Argentina’s ’86 World Cup victory?

It’s inexplicable that soccer’s brightest star and highest talent continues to struggle on the biggest stage, so let us turn to the supernatural! The following story comes courtesy of a Messi-focused NPR podcast I’ve been listening to in the leadup to the World Cup called “La última copa” or “The Last Cup”:

According to the myth, the players went to visit the Virgin of Copacabana in Tilcara and asked for a blessing. They allegedly made a promise to return to the Virgin and thank her if they won the World Cup title that year. They won, but the promise was ultimately not fulfilled.

https://www.npr.org/2022/11/07/1134750285/argentina-world-cup-curse

I’m sharing this bit of Argentine soccer mythology because it’s an entertaining proposition and, more importantly, to help spread awareness about the podcast.

La última copa / The Last Cup explores the rise of Messi from the point of view of Argentine journalist, Jasmine Garsd, and touches on subjects like belonging, identity, socioeconomics, and the impact of leaving home in pursuit of something better. All while putting into context the urgency behind this year’s World Cup, which very well could be Messi’s last chance at the elusive trophy. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for World Cup content to keep you going in between games. It’s available in Spanish or English.

As for Messi and today’s result, there are still two more group-stage games at the minimum. If the prophecy of the soccer gods is to be fulfilled, today’s loss is merely setting us up for a more incredible closing chapter to his illustrious career.

If not, Argentina may want to really consider sending the ’86 players back to complete their promise.

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