Emilio Agüero Esgaib, the Paraguayan Pastor who kick-started the 2024 Copa America with a prayer, has come under severe scrutiny and abuse after his prayer on the opening night ( June 21, 2024) of the tournament.
Esgaib together with an unnamed Pastor offered prayers in Spanish and English, respectively, before defending champions Argentina went on to beat Canada 2-0.
Emilio, the founder of the “Más que Vencedores” church in Argentina, is no stranger to scandals and backlash as he has been accused of homophobia and transphobia in the past.
The pastor, who has since been abused by people across the globe for his faith, has reiterated his commitment to spreading the Gospel and is unperturbed about the abuse.
However, followers of the Copa America believe this is the first time that a FIFA event has kicked off with a pastor reading out a prayer, much to the dismay of some.
Although a section of the fans were delighted that the “hand of God” became a part of the game, there were others who were baffled and offended by the prayer hijacking the spirit of the sporting event.
Many of them have also pointed out that, Islamic prayers were held while the World Cup was held in Qatar last year and nobody had a problem with that. This furore is only against Christianity is what they maintain.
The tournament will conclude on July 14, 2024.
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Story by: Andrews Sefa Bamfo| univers.ug.edu.gh
