A red ribbon around the ankle or wrist of Argentina’s stars has become a familiar sight at World Cups.
But why is that the case?
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How Messi started Argentina’s red ribbon tradition
The tradition, if you want to call it that, dates back to 2018 and centres around Argentina’s superstar, Lionel Messi.
After Argentina drew their 2018 World Cup opener against Iceland, Argentinian reporter Rama Pantarotto gifted a lucky red ribbon to Messi.
What made the gesture all the more heartwarming was that the ribbon initially belonged to Pantarotto’s mother.
“My mum loves you more than she loves me,” Pantarotto said when he presented the gift to Messi.
“I carry her red ribbon for good luck.
“If you want it, I can give it to you.”
Messi probably could have done with it before the match against Iceland given he missed a penalty.
Unfortunately for the pint-sized superstar, he has not had much luck from the spot in recent World Cups and even made unwanted history at this year’s iteration as the first player to miss two penalties outside of a shootout in the same tournament.
The moment Messi’s lucky charm finally paid off
Although the red ribbon may not have granted Messi any special powers from the penalty spot, it came good at the 2022 World Cup.
That year, Messi led Argentina to their first World Cup in 36 years as they edged out France in the final.
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Messi scored twice in that match and buried his penalty in the shootout as he won the trophy that may very well cement him as the greatest to ever lace up a pair of boots.
Adding to Messi’s near-perfect tournament was the fact he earned the Golden Ball award, which is given to the best player at every World Cup.
The 39-year-old is now just two wins away from repeating that feat as Argentina are in the semi-finals of this year’s World Cup.
To reach the final, Argentina must first get past England, who are aiming to win their first piece of silverware in 60 years.
Argentina’s clash against England will be played on July 15 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST and it’s live on eSPORTY.
Given what’s at stake in this contest, don’t be surprised if you see Argentina’s players all sporting their red ribbons in the hopes of bringing as much luck as possible.
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