Sandra Cuevas, who served as mayor of Cuauhtémoc from October 2021 to March 2024, has become an internet sensation during the World Cup. Her engaging presence and celebrations have drawn parallels with Mexico’s pop culture icon, Mar Castro, known as “La Chiquitibum” during the 1986 World Cup.

Cuevas attracted significant attention after posting a video of herself celebrating Mexico’s early success. In the video, she is seen in a festive mood on the streets, wearing a low-cut top. Her video quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of views, and many viewers compared her to “La Chiquitibum” in the comments.

In the viral post, she celebrated Mexico’s victory with the caption, “2026 FIFA World Cup: Long live Mexico, from the Angel of Independence in our #Cuauhtémoc borough! #SandraCuevasMX”. This video has significant viral potential, given its wide reach and the cultural connections it evokes.

After Mexico’s early win against South Africa, comparisons to Mar Castro were inevitable. These comparisons have struck a chord with Mexican fans and others who remember the cultural impact of the 1986 World Cup.

At 40, Cuevas has addressed the viral comparisons with humor and acceptance. Known for her forthright personality, she has embraced the attention with a lighthearted response, saying, “The Chiquitibum… well, guys, what can I do, I can’t just take them off. They had already nicknamed me that in 1986 and it amuses me, I like it.” She added, “I don’t take it as an attack, there will be those who think that way and take it in a derogatory way, but that’s how we Mexicans are.”

Her candid acknowledgment of the situation showcases her resilience and ability to engage with her audience positively. This moment of viral fame may even help boost Mexico’s profile during the tournament.