The gesture appears designed to bring bad luck to Argentina, rather than make a serious football statement. Supporters in Philadelphia have reportedly used the statue before major sporting events, placing rival shirts or flags on it in symbolic attempts to influence the outcome.
This time, Messi became the target. The timing gives the stunt extra weight: the report says Argentina began its campaign with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, with Messi scoring a hat-trick.
The reported opening win has placed Argentina in a strong position before facing Austria in the second round of Group J. The update also credits Messi with reaching 16 World Cup goals, alongside Miroslav Klose, while becoming the oldest player to score three times in one tournament match.
Those milestones remain secondary to the next result. Another victory would leave the defending champions close to the knockout phase and strengthen their bid to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.
Brazil have also reportedly made a fast recovery. After opening with a draw against Morocco, Carlo Ancelotti’s team is said to have beaten Haiti 3-0 and moved to the top of Group C.
The report says Vinicius Junior scored in consecutive matches, while Matheus Cunha supplied the remaining two goals against Haiti. Their next fixture against Scotland could put Brazil within touching distance of qualification.
The Rocky stunt will continue to circulate, but the decisive response will come on the pitch. Argentina-Austria and Brazil-Scotland should reveal whether South America’s two leading contenders can turn promising starts into early knockout-stage progress.