U.S. streamer and influencer Speed appeared wearing an Argentina national team jersey on July 11 [2] ahead of a World Cup match.
The appearance is significant because Speed has built a global brand as a vocal critic of Lionel Messi and a devoted supporter of Cristiano Ronaldo. His sudden shift in attire before a high-stakes game has sparked widespread discussion among football fans regarding his influence on team fortunes.
Speed wore the jersey in the lead-up to the quarter-final match between Argentina and Switzerland in the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1]. The decision was described as an attempt to "cancel mufa," a Spanish term referring to the casting of bad luck or a jinx [3].
Social media users have frequently claimed that Speed brings misfortune to the teams he supports. By wearing the colors of the Argentina national team, the influencer sought to neutralize this perceived superstition before the critical knockout stage [3].
This gesture marks a rare public alignment between the influencer and the team led by Messi. While Speed typically maintains a strict rivalry between the two greatest players of the era, the superstition surrounding "mufa" appeared to override his usual sporting preferences for this specific fixture [3].
The match between Argentina and Switzerland serves as a pivotal moment in the tournament, and the attention surrounding the influencer's clothing choice highlights the intersection of digital creator culture and traditional sports superstitions.
“Speed appeared wearing an Argentina national team jersey on July 11”
This event illustrates the power of 'fan-culture' and digital superstitions in the modern era. The concept of 'mufa'—the belief that a specific person can influence a game's outcome through bad luck—has transitioned from local folklore to a global social media meme. By participating in this ritual, Speed leverages his visibility to engage with a massive audience, blending sports entertainment with the psychological trends of the internet.
