NEW YORK — Lionel Messi stood on stage at Fanatics Fest on Friday night, surrounded by the greatest athletes in sports history. Tom Brady, Novak Djokovic, and Kevin Durant all took selfies with the Argentine legend. It was a surreal moment that underscored Messi's unparalleled status in global sports. And before the night ended, Messi made a promise: “We will give it our all.”
The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain is set for Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It is a rematch of the 2022 final, where Argentina triumphed in a penalty shootout. Now, Argentina looks to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962. Spain, led by prodigy Lamine Yamal and captain Rodri, aims to avenge that defeat and claim their second World Cup title.
The preview event was unlike any in World Cup history. Instead of traditional press conferences, FIFA turned the stage over to sports icons for a round of celebrity interviews. Brady asked Messi about a viral photo showing him bathing a baby Lamine Yamal. “What a crazy picture,” Messi said with a smile. Djokovic questioned coach Lionel Scaloni about handling pressure, then turned to Messi: “How do you stay calm in the biggest moments?” Messi simply replied, “I just focus on what I can control.”
Kevin Durant, fresh off his fourth Olympic gold medal, asked Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez about the significance of winning back-to-back World Cups. Martinez responded, “It goes beyond words. We have a group of players and coaches working incredibly hard to bring happiness to our country. With Leo and the team, we will give absolutely our best to bring the World Cup back.” Spain captain Rodri also paid tribute to Messi, saying, “For me, he’s the greatest of all time.”
The event was a microcosm of the global appeal of this final. An estimated 1.5 billion people worldwide are expected to watch. For Messi, this could be his last World Cup appearance. At 38, he remains the heartbeat of Argentina. His career is already decorated with every major honor: eight Ballon d'Ors, four Champions Leagues, one World Cup, and two Copa América titles. A second World Cup would cement his legacy as the undisputed GOAT.
Argentina’s path to the final has been anything but easy. The defending champions are the only unbeaten team in the tournament (7-0-0), but they have relied on comebacks and resilience. In the Round of 16, they trailed Egypt 2-0 at halftime before roaring back to win 3-2. In the semifinals against England, they fell behind 1-0 in the second half before equalizing and winning 3-1. They also needed extra time to beat Cape Verde in the Round of 32 and Switzerland in the quarterfinals. “I’ve said many times: We never stop fighting,” Messi said.
Spain, meanwhile, has been a dominant force. They drew their opening match against Cape Verde but have won six straight since. Lamine Yamal, now 17, has emerged as a global superstar. The photo of Messi bathing him as a baby has become a symbol of passing the torch. Yamal has scored four goals in the tournament and is the youngest player to ever appear in a World Cup final. “It’s incredible to think that Leo held me as a baby, and now I’m facing him in a final,” Yamal said in a recent interview.
The tactical battle will be fascinating. Argentina relies on Messi’s creativity, Julian Alvarez’s pace, and a rock-solid defense anchored by Cristian Romero and Nahuel Molina. Spain favors possession with Rodri controlling the midfield and Yamal and Nico Williams providing width. Both teams have world-class goalkeepers: Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez, the hero of the 2022 final, and Spain’s Unai Simon, who has been outstanding in this tournament.
History is on Argentina’s side. They are the defending champions and have lost only one World Cup final in five appearances (2014). Spain has played in two finals, winning in 2010 and losing in 2022. But Spain has a younger squad and has been more consistent throughout the tournament. “It’s one more game,” Scaloni said. “We cannot really think about the fact that it’s a World Cup final. We have to treat it like any other match, but with the intensity that such a match demands.”
Messi’s influence extends beyond the pitch. He has become a cultural icon in Argentina and around the world. His arrival at the preview event drew thunderous applause. Fans held up their phones, hoping to capture a piece of history. Even Kevin Hart and Travis Scott were on stage, adding to the spectacle. “Sunday is going to be a great show,” Scaloni predicted.
The final will be played at MetLife Stadium, the same venue where the United States won the 1994 World Cup. For Messi, it is a homecoming of sorts. He played for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and has a deep connection with the American fans. “The support here has been amazing,” Messi said. “We feel like we’re playing at home.”
As the players left the stage, Messi glanced at the trophy case holding the golden World Cup trophy. He has held it before, but he knows that winning back-to-back would be a historic achievement. The last team to do it was Brazil in 1962, led by Pelé. Messi is often compared to Pelé, and a second World Cup would strengthen that debate.
But for now, Messi is focused on the task at hand. “We will give it our all,” he repeated. His teammates echoed that sentiment. Argentina is a family, united by a common goal. Spain, with its young stars and disciplined system, will be a formidable opponent. One team will lift the trophy; the other will be left to wonder what might have been.
The world will be watching. Messi, the greatest of all time, is ready for one more dance. And as Novak Djokovic said on stage, “Gracias, Leo.”
Source: MSN News