NFL icon Tom Brady, tennis superstar Novak Djokovic, and NBA legend Kevin Durant were among the athletes on stage Friday night. Before departing, all three took a selfie with Messi, highlighting the Argentine’s status as one of history’s most revered sports figures.
Messi is now focused on Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, where the defending champions Argentina will face Spain. This monumental clash is anticipated to attract approximately 1.5 billion viewers globally.
“We will give it our all,” Messi stated.
The high-profile news conference was likely to be Messi’s final public appearance before the crucial match in East Rutherford, New Jersey. FIFA opted to host the Fanatics Fest — a four-day sports celebration in New York, filled with autograph sessions and celebrity appearances — as the venue for its preview news conferences, allowing hundreds of fans a rare glimpse of Messi in an unconventional, open setting.
“It’s hard to put into words what Messi represents as a player and for Argentina,” said Spain captain Rodri. “For me, he’s undoubtedly the greatest of all time.” The intent behind Messi and the other Argentine and Spanish players and coaches’ appearance was straightforward: instead of traditional media posing questions, the stars engaged in asking their own.
Brady quizzed Messi about a viral photo of him bathing a baby boy who later became Spain’s star Lamine Yamal — “What an incredible picture,” Messi remarked. Djokovic inquired of Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni about handling pressure, and then posed a similar question to Messi.
As Messi concluded, Djokovic simply said, “Gracias, Leo.” He subsequently asked Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and captain Rodri about maintaining calm in key moments, while Brady returned to the infamous picture with Yamal, and Rodri discussed what he would tell his teammates before the final. Durant then joined in to ask Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez what winning consecutive World Cups would mean.
The Argentina and Spain squads, commendably, appeared to relish the experience. The World Cup final promises to be a grand event, as did this preview gathering.
“It’s just another game,” Scaloni noted. “We can’t dwell on the fact that it’s a World Cup final.” Argentina’s path back to the final was not easy; despite being the only unbeaten team left in the tournament (7-0-0), Spain (6-0-1) drew its opening match against Cape Verde.
Argentina had to come from behind to defeat England in the semifinals after a 1-0 second-half deficit, rallied from a 2-0 second-half deficit to overcome Egypt in the Round of 16, and had to go to extra time against both Cape Verde (in the round of 32) and Switzerland (in the quarterfinals).
“I’ve said this many times: We never stop fighting,” Messi said.
With that declaration, the defending champions secured their ticket to New York. When Messi stepped onto the stage Friday, few in the packed theater could applaud, as they were busy capturing the moment with their phones.
Messi understood what they sought. He smiled and waved. They erupted in cheers.
As the event concluded, all present—players, coaches, comedian Kevin Hart, rapper and producer Travis Scott, England legend Rio Ferdinand, Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, and more—gathered for a group selfie with the fans in the backdrop.
“Sunday is going to be an extraordinary show,” Scaloni expressed.
It appeared Messi may have briefly glanced at the trophy case before he left. Regardless, he certainly doesn’t need a reminder of what’s at stake. No team has clinched back-to-back World Cups since Brazil did in 1958 and 1962, and Messi now has an opportunity to enhance his already impressive legacy.
“We have a group of players and coaches working incredibly hard every day to bring joy to my country,” Martinez stated. “We’re committed to giving our utmost, with Leo, and the talented team we have, to bring the World Cup back home and celebrate with our people.”
(With PTI inputs)
