Argentina reportedly flew sorcerer to Ecuador ahead of pivotal World Cup qualifier
On the surface, it might seem like Lionel Messi is Argentina’s best hope to salvage its World Cup dreams Tuesday when it meets Ecuador. But lurking in the background, according to multiple reports, is the team’s secret weapon — a sorcerer named Manuel. Both TyC Sports and La Clarin, two reputable Argentine media outlets, have reported the man with a shoulder-length mullet flew to Ecuador this week to “bring good energy” to the team, which has floundered badly in the World Cup qualifiers and is in danger of being eliminated from making the tournament for the first time since 1970. Sensing the team’s desperation, former Argentine midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron, who claims Manuel helped local squad Estudiantes de La Plata win the 2009 Copa Libertadores, reportedly recommended Manuel’s services to Argentine Football Association head Claudio Tapia. The AFA apparently would not confirm or deny it had enlisted Manuel’s services, although reports claim he was...