In the shadow of the World Cup final, a different kind of rivalry draws attention — the ongoing feud between Argentine President Javier Milei and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. While the bitter exchanges between these two leaders have made headlines, the Argentine president seems set to keep politics out of the upcoming football celebration.

Milei, known for his libertarian-populist stance, has often clashed with Sánchez, branding him a symbol of the international left and using him as a "punching bag" to rally his base against what he perceives as "woke forces around the world," according to Martín Rodríguez Yebra, deputy managing editor of La Nación. Despite this, Rodríguez Yebra believes that Milei will refrain from politicizing the World Cup final to maintain public support and avoid distractions during such a crucial national event.

Lionel Messi, the revered captain of Argentina's national team, has made significant efforts to distance the team from the nation's polarized political landscape. Following their previous World Cup victory, the team notably declined an invitation from then-President Alberto Fernández to celebrate at the presidential palace, signaling a clear stance against political involvement. Messi, having navigated the complexities of Catalan separatism during his tenure at FC Barcelona, remains committed to keeping the team neutral and focused solely on football.

The national team's approach has resonated well with Argentinians, who, according to Rodríguez Yebra, would likely not recognize Sánchez in a casual setting. The general public views the ongoing disputes between Milei and Sánchez as "a random distraction" rather than a matter of national concern, especially in the context of the World Cup.

Despite Milei's confrontational style, high-level diplomatic and trade relations between Argentina and Spain have continued smoothly, with recent collaborations like the EU-Mercosur trade agreement underscoring a functional relationship beneath the fiery rhetoric. On Sunday, while Sánchez attends the match in New York, Milei will watch from Buenos Aires, avoiding the "jinx" that haunted former President Carlos Menem during the 1990 World Cup.

Both leaders face domestic challenges, with Milei grappling with rising unemployment and corruption scandals, and Sánchez dealing with his own set of political controversies. However, an Argentine victory at the World Cup could provide a much-needed boost to Milei's popularity, just as a Spanish win could aid Sánchez amidst his trials.

As the World Cup final approaches, the message from Argentina's team is clear: the game is about football, not politics, a sentiment that both the players and, seemingly, President Milei are keen to uphold.