Lionel Messi and co. carry around infamous doll from horror film as lucky charm during 2024 Copa America as Argentina’s 2 superstitions come to light
Lionel Messi's Argentina has been carrying around a Chucky doll at Copa America amid two of the world champions' superstitions. Lionel Scaloni's men are through to the last 16 of the tournament in the United States.
La Abiceleste have enjoyed much success in recent years, including winning Copa America in 2021. The Chucky doll's first appearance with Argentine players came at that tournament. The Athletic claims it's traveled with the squad since their triumph in Brazil three years ago.
Horror movie fans spotted the doll behind Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia. He sat posing for a photo with staff members and Exequial Palacios at a hotel in Atlanta.
The World Champions' Chucky superstition started with Tapia in 2021, who voiced his issues when kit man Juan Cruz brought it to the dressing room. His son, who is coincidentally named after the horror movie doll, gave it to him as a lucky charm.
Argentina triumphed at Copa America in Brazil three years ago, so the doll remained a constant. Several staff members have even had tattoos made up of Chucky to celebrate that victory.
This isn't the first superstition the Argentines are renowned for, as they are also a stickler for caramel candy. They have eaten the sweets on several occasions, including the 2021 Copa America quarterfinals.
That trend has continued into the latest edition of the competition, which is taking place in the United States. Abiceleste stars were seen devouring candy treats before their opening 2-0 win against Canada (June 21).
Lionel Messi wasn't on the scoresheet in that match but did set up Lautaro Martinez for his nation's second. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has a superstition of his own as he must drink with teammate Rodrigo De Paul at 9:30 AM on the dot in Messi's hotel room.
Lionel Messi restored a Copa America superstition on the eve of Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup win
Lionel Messi spent much of the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament sleeping alone in his hotel room. It seemed to work a treat as he heroically led Argentina to the final in Qatar with stellar performances.
However, Albiceleste's all-time top scorer made a significant change to his bedtime arrangements ahead of the final. His longtime friend Sergio Aguero joined the squad and stayed with Messi in his hotel room.
The Argentine pair were roommates during Argentina's 2021 Copa America campaign. He'd opted to sleep alone while Aguero wasn't in Qatar after retiring because of heart problems.
Lionel Messi invited Aguero to stay with him ahead of the final against France. He put in an iconic performance to captain Argentina to World Cup glory, with a 4-2 penalty shootout win after a 3-3 draw over 120 minutes.