Lionel Messi and Argentina face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, but a curious superstition threatens to overshadow their bid for glory. Rapper Drake has wagered $1.5 million on the South American champions to win within 90 minutes, with potential winnings reaching approximately $5.1 million. Yet his public backing has triggered widespread anxiety among Argentine supporters, who fear the notorious "Drake Curse" could derail their quest for consecutive World Cup titles.
Drake's betting record speaks for itself. The Canadian music mogul maintains a striking rate of just 36.8% across nearly 90 high-stakes wagers, according to tracking website TheDrakeCurse. His recent losses include $1 million on the New England Patriots at February's Super Bowl and $300,000 backing Jannik Sinner at the US Open. Football betting alone has reportedly cost him more than $1.9 million in net losses, making his Argentina wager all the more eyebrow-raising given the astronomical stakes involved in a World Cup final.
A Precedent for Success
There is, however, a glimmer of hope for Lionel Scaloni's side. Drake famously won $1 million betting on Argentina during the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, correctly predicting their dramatic penalty shootout victory over France. That solitary triumph on his betting slip suggests Argentina's technical quality and championship mentality might yet overcome the curse narrative. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has already weathered the "IShowSpeed Curse" earlier in this tournament, proving his squad can perform regardless of external superstition.
Argentina enter the final chasing an exclusive piece of history. Only two nations have ever won consecutive World Cups—a feat that would cement Messi's legacy beyond reproach. Facing Spain's fortress-like defence, which has conceded fewer goals than any other team in the tournament, Argentina must rely on their technical brilliance and proven championship pedigree. The final also presents a poetic narrative: Messi, the Inter Miami star, squaring off against teenager Lamine Yamal, who has captivated audiences throughout the competition. Regardless of Drake's betting slip, the match will be decided by skill, experience, and the ruthless execution that defines World Cup football at its highest level.
