For millions of Argentinians, football is more than just a sport. It is a part of the national identity, a source of emotion, pride, and unity. But alongside football skill, training, and team spirit, there is another important element that accompanies the Argentina national team on its path to victory — faith.
That is why Our Lady of Luján (Virgen de Luján), the patroness of Argentina, has become a special spiritual symbol for the national team and the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
Starting from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a small religious corner has been permanently set up in the Argentina national team’s locker room. The image of Our Lady of Luján holds the central place in it.
Next to the icon, there is always holy water, which team staff bring to every match. For many players, this tradition has become an important part of pre-game preparation and a symbol of God’s blessing before taking the pitch.
Gratitude After the Qatar Triumph
After the historic victory at the 2022 World Cup, AFA President Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia traveled to the Basilica of Luján to express gratitude for the title won.
On January 4, 2023, he brought the World Cup trophy to the shrine. During the celebrations, the rector of the basilica noted that Our Lady of Luján is always beside the players and accompanied the Argentine national team even in its locker room during the World Cup.
For many believers, this gesture became a symbol of gratitude not only for the sporting success, but also for the joy the team brought to the entire Argentine people.
Three Gold Stars on the Mantle of the Virgin
In April 2023, another special event took place at the Basilica of Luján. The mantle of Our Lady of Luján was renewed, and three gold stars were embroidered on it — honoring Argentina’s three World Cup champion titles.
The church explained that this gesture was a mark of gratitude for events that brought happiness and hope to millions of Argentinians.
The three stars symbolize the national team’s victories at the 1978, 1986, and 2022 World Cups.
The players themselves also demonstrate a special attitude toward Our Lady of Luján.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi visited the Basilica of Luján, where his famous “El Último Tango” boots were blessed.
Argentina forward Lautaro Martínez also does not hide his faith. During one of the matches, he entered the pitch with a holy image of Our Lady of Luján inside his shin guard as a personal amulet.
During training camps in the USA, the image of the Virgin accompanied the team in the exact same way as during official matches.
Another special tradition of the Argentine national team was the use of holy water before matches.
Before stepping onto the pitch, footballers, including Lionel Messi, receive a blessing with holy water. For many team members, this is not just a ritual, but an expression of deep faith and spiritual support.
Symbol of National Unity
The history of relations between the Argentina national team and Our Lady of Luján demonstrates how closely sport, tradition, and faith are intertwined in Argentine culture.
For the footballers, she is a symbol of protection and hope; for the fans, a source of inspiration; and for the entire country, a spiritual patroness who accompanies Argentina in difficult times as well as in moments of great victories.
That is why many Argentinians are convinced: alongside Messi’s talent, the players’ skill, and the fans’ support, another invisible force is always present on the path to football triumphs — the blessing of Our Lady of Luján.
Author: Olena Shukova
Photo: from the open sources and author archieve