New York dey buzz as Argentina and Spain prepare to clash for World Cup final for MetLife Stadium. Lionel Messi, wey be 39 years old, go lead Argentina against Spain for wetin fit be im last appearance for World Cup. La Albiceleste dey try become first team since Brazil for 1962 to win back-to-back World Cup.
Messi no dey like to dey for spotlight. For Javits Center, Kevin Hart, Tom Brady and Novak Djokovic dey ask am questions, but im dey wave like say im dey apologize for attention. Fans pack theater to see di little wizard, dey shout love and hold up phone like say na rock concert.
Argentina reach final after beating England 2-1 for Atlanta, come from behind for semifinal. Spain beat France 2-0 for Dallas to book dia place. Dis one be first time Argentina and Spain go meet for World Cup final.
Messi dey tied with France Kylian Mbappé for top scorer with eight goals, but assist dey give am edge for Golden Boot race. E dey also favorite to win Golden Ball as best player for record third time. For semifinal against England, Messi get two assist.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni say Messi na best footballer world don see. E say, ‘Messi na legend, and together with dis group e don bring us dis wonderful years.’ When dem ask if Sunday go be Messi last game for Argentina, Scaloni say, ‘Ask am. I no get idea.’
Spain get young star Lamine Yamal, wey be 19 years old. For 2007, Yamal family win raffle for photoshoot with Barcelona players. Messi, wey be 19 years old then, pose with 3-month-old Lamine. Now dem go play against each other for World Cup final.
Messi say about Yamal, ‘E be one of di best players for di world right now. E get all im future ahead. We go give our best.’ Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente say, ‘Messi na once-in-history player. I tell Lamine to be imself.’
Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martínez say Spain get great group, but Argentina fit win. E say, ‘I hope e go be final wey go down for history.’ With Messi for im twilight, dat one na certainty.
Di race for Golden Boot dey tight. Mbappé double for third-place match take am ahead of Messi, but Argentina captain go get chance to answer for final. Spain defense don only concede once for tournament, so e go be tough challenge.
World Cup final go get half-time show like Super Bowl, wit Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, and others. Di show go start at 6:30pm BST. Jennifer Hudson go sing US national anthem.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino don modernise World Cup with influence from United States and Super Bowl. Dis half-time show go appeal to more cultures and new fans.
