Hours before Argentina’s decisive World Cup 2026 match against Egypt, a video has started circulating that left everyone stunned. Defenders Cristian «Cuti» Romero and Lisandro «Licha» Martínez were caught performing a ritual few had seen: they sprinkled holy water on their faces and legs before the match against Cape Verde.
The images, which went viral like wildfire, show the two players near the sideline moments before kickoff. A member of the coaching staff hands them a plastic bottle of holy water, and both, without hesitation, splash it on their faces and limbs. The gesture lasts only seconds, but the scene is so striking that it did not go unnoticed.
«It’s something they’ve been doing for a while, a matter of faith,» a source close to the squad confided. «It’s not the first time, but now that it’s out, everyone will be watching to see if they repeat it against Egypt.»
The video was recorded during Argentina’s win over Cape Verde, a victory that eliminated the African team and put La Albiceleste in contention for the round of 16. Now, with Egypt on the horizon, fans are watching for any detail that could tip the scales.
«Cuti and Licha are two phenomena, but if they add holy water on top of that, imagine,» a fan commented on social media. «I hope they do it again, because if it works, it’s welcome.»
The match against Egypt takes place this Wednesday at Lusail Stadium, and Argentina needs a positive result to secure their place in the next round. The pressure is enormous, but the players seem to have their own methods for staying calm.
«It’s not the first time they’ve resorted to these practices,» explained a former national team player. «Many footballers have their rituals, and if it gives them confidence, so be it. The important thing is that it doesn’t affect performance.»
For now, neither Romero nor Martínez have spoken publicly about the issue, but the images have already gone around the world. On social media, memes and comments keep pouring in. «Holy water for the center-backs, what a team,» wrote one user.
Coach Lionel Scaloni did not address the matter in the pre-match press conference, but the team is expected to maintain the same lineup they have been showing. «There’s nothing strange, these are things that happen in football,» said a spokesperson for the coaching staff.
Meanwhile, Argentine fans are already preparing prayers and candles for the match. «If they use holy water, we put in all the faith,» said a group of supporters planning to gather at the Obelisk to watch the game.
The match against Egypt promises to be a great game. Argentina arrives with high morale after the victory over Cape Verde, but the African team is no easy rival. With players like Mohamed Salah, Egypt will look to strike and eliminate La Albiceleste.
«It’s going to be a very tough match, but we have what it takes,» assured an Argentine player who asked to remain anonymous. «And if the holy water ritual gives us an extra edge, it’s welcome.»
The question everyone is asking is whether Cuti and Licha will repeat the gesture. The cameras will be watching, and fans, with their hearts in their hands, hope to see them again with the little bottle in hand. «I hope so, because that means they are focused and have faith,» said a former teammate of both on the national team.
Time will tell if the holy water is the charm Argentina needs to advance. For now, the entire country is watching every detail, and the defenders’ ritual is already part of the buildup to the most important match of the World Cup so far.
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mira vos estos Cuti y Licha haciendose los santurrones con agua bendita como si fueran curas del opio del pueblo. la iglesia y el futbol siempre cagando la izquierda. ojala pierdan contra Egipto para que se les caiga la careta de falsos humildes. viva la izquierda atea loco 🤘
khe boludos los q critican el agua bendita de cuti y licha son un ejemplo de fe y patriotismo no como estos zurditos de mierda q se rien para mi mañana les llueve agua bendita a los egipcios y los dejamos en cero vamos argentina carajo 🇦🇷