Argentina’s World Cup title run becomes a moment of faith for fans, players and clergy

SÃO PAULO, Brazil (RNS) — As Argentina’s national team advanced in the World Cup, spiritual beliefs have become increasing visible among many soccer fans in the South American nation. Now that the team is just one match away from the championship — it will face Spain in the final on Sunday (July 19) — faith appears to be playing a central role in the way people have been cheering for the national squad.

Catholicism, the dominant religion in the country, has steadily declined. It was the faith of an estimated 90% of the population in 1960, and now about 60% of Argentines identify as Catholic. But symbols and practices associated with Catholicism continue to play a fundamental role in the world of soccer.

Some priests see a missionary opportunity in the team’s success.

“Many players on the national team openly express their Christian faith,” Father Andrés Rodríguez of the Archdiocese of Córdoba told Religion News Service. “(Lionel) Messi, for instance, constantly makes the sign of the cross and says he has received everything from God.”

A video posted by Rodríguez on social media became popular in Argentina during the tournament’s final week. Speaking directly to the…