In the heart of Mexico City, thousands of devotees have gathered inside the Metropolitan Cathedral to kneel before a small figurine of the infant Jesus swaddled in the green, white and red of the national soccer team.
The custom of dressing the holy child in the colors of the Mexican side dates back to 1970, when the practice first emerged as a quirky blend of faith and football, with the figure changing outfits to match each new tournament.
A Sacred Goal
This year, a newly appointed parish priest ordered the display removed, prompting a swift backlash that led the cathedral’s governing body to reinstate the figure and allow it to remain on view.
Fans from Colombia, Argentina, Spain and other nations have traveled to the capital to join the prayer, each hoping the blessed infant will intercede for their country’s victory in the World Cup.
The baby Jesus will stay on the altar until the tournament’s final whistle, swapping kits to reflect the teams still in contention, while some worshippers continue to voice concerns that the spectacle borders on sacrilege.