World Cup glare over New York: Lionel Messi sidesteps the spotlight

Two days before the World Cup final, Lionel Messi hovered above the Hudson River in a helicopter, cutting through Friday’s rush hour to reach a scheduled engagement at New York’s Javits Center. The 39‑year‑old Argentine star arrived amid a sea of fans and flashing phones, underscoring the global spotlight on his possible farewell. Inside the Javits Center, the major conference hub on Manhattan’s west side, actor Kevin Hart, NFL legend Tom Brady and tennis star Novak Djokovic lobbed questions at Messi, turning the event into a celebrity‑filled press conference. Fans packed into a theater to see Argentina’s little wizard, shouting their love while holding up phones as if they were at a rock concert, creating a stadium‑like atmosphere for the star’s appearance. Messi sheepishly waved to the crowd, his gesture appearing as an apology for the intense attention he was receiving from the assembled supporters. Come Sunday, the world will turn its gaze to the 39‑year‑old superstar as he leads Argentina against Spain at MetLife Stadium, a match that could see La Albiceleste become the first side since Pelé’s Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cup trophies.

FIFA probes political banner as World Cup drama unfolds in Argentina

FIFA’s news conference at the Javits Center featured coaches and captains; Spain’s Luis de la Fuente and midfielder Rodri attended, as did Argentina’s guide Lionel Scaloni, while Messi ducked out and goalkeeper Emi Martínez took his place. Scaloni praised Messi, calling him “the best footballer the world has seen” and saying reaching a final at 39 is “something unbelievable”. Messi is tied with France’s Kylian Mbappé on eight goals, but leads the Golden Boot race on assists, and is among the favorites to claim a record third Golden Ball.

World Cup reshapes Ballon d’Or race ahead of Yamal’s showdown with Messi

He recorded two assists in Argentina’s 2‑1 semifinal victory over England in Atlanta and will continue his Major League Soccer career with Inter Miami after the tournament. When asked about 19‑year‑old Spanish winger Lamine Yamal, Messi said, “He is one of the best players in the world right now… It’s a crazy picture that we are now facing each other.”