EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (WABC) — The world’s biggest soccer match is set for Sunday as Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina face Spain in the World Cup final, bringing together global superstars, a historic halftime show and tens of thousands of fans expected to descend on the region.
Argentina advanced to the championship match after rallying past England on Wednesday, while Spain secured its place in the final with a 2-0 victory over France.
Messi has been one of the tournament’s biggest stars, recording eight goals and four assists as Argentina seeks to become the first nation to successfully defend a World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.
Spain, led by breakout sensation Lamine Yamal, is looking to capture its second World Cup crown and first since winning the tournament 16 years ago.
The final will also feature a first for the World Cup: a halftime show. FIFA says performers will include BTS, Justin Bieber, Madonna and Shakira. President Donald Trump is also expected to attend and present the trophy to the winning team.
Security will be at its highest level for Sunday’s final with the president and many international dignitaries in town for the match.
“With multiple heads of state expected to attend, security measures will be significantly enhanced, and road closures should be expected. The FIFA World Cup Final is designated as a SEAR 1 event, and our preparedness efforts reflect the level of planning, coordination and operational readiness that an event of this scale requires,” said a spokesperson for the Host Committee.
Fans heading to the match are being urged to arrive by 1:30 p.m. Shuttle service begins at 9:30 a.m., while NJ Transit rail service starts at 10:30 a.m. Stadium gates open at 11 a.m., followed by a fan experience. The closing ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m., with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m.
Sunday’s match also marks the first World Cup meeting between Messi and Yamal, who share an unlikely connection. In 2007, Yamal’s parents won a raffle for a photo shoot with Barcelona players, producing a now-famous image that shows Messi holding and bathing the future Spanish star as an infant.
20-year-old soccer star Lionel Messi cradles Lamine Yamal, who was merely six months old at the time during a photo session in Sept. 2007. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
The photo has become one of the tournament’s most talked-about storylines, adding another layer of intrigue to a final already filled with history, star power and championship stakes.
As for those who won’t be in attendance for Sunday’s final, there is no shortage of fans across the Tri-State rooting for the two teams wherever they can.
From the Messi photos on just about every wall, to the light blue napkins, it’s no secret that the folks at La Fusta in North Bergen, New Jersey are rooting for Argentina in the final. The phone has been ringing off the hook for reservations.
“Sunday – it’s full. it’s overbooked,” said the restaurant’s general manager, Pablo Carballo.
And you don’t have to look too hard to find fans on the other side who are just as passionate. At Fornos of Spain in Newark, fans are hungry not just for the food, but for Spain to win what would be their second World Cup title.
“Argentina – everybody will think that Argentina will be there and they were the champions last year, so they are defending themselves to make sure they keep it and stay with it this year, but Spain came back from behind actually and beat what was supposed to be the best team in this World Cup which is France,” said Javier Vasquez, a fan of Spain. “Right now, Spain is my number one to win this.”
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