Stars Converge for World Cup Selfie
Iconic Selfie Unites Messi, Brady, Djokovic Amid World Cup Final Buzz
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Key Points
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Rio Ferdinand, the former England footballer, appears in the Fanatics Fest selfie alongside Messi, Brady and Djokovic, underscoring the star-studded cross-sport gathering.
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Lamine Yamal won a penalty by dispossessing Lucas Digne, with Mikel Oyarzabal converting in the 22nd minute to give Spain the lead in the semifinal.
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Spain have recorded their sixth clean sheet in seven World Cup tournament matches, reflecting their defensive solidity in the run-up to the final.
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Messi gave a pre-final message, saying, 'We will give everything we have,' highlighting Argentina's mindset ahead of the Argentina–Spain final.
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Rodri and Spain's manager Luis de la Fuente were shown on opposite sides during the Fanatics Fest selfie, illustrating the cross-border lineup on display at the event.
Lionel Messi, Tom Brady, Novak Djokovic, and Kevin Durant gathered at Fanatics Fest in New York for a star-studded selfie ahead of the 2026 World Cup final. The moment, captured by Durant and described as 'Iconic' by event host Michael Rubin, became a symbol of the global excitement surrounding the tournament, according to Twin Cities.
Messi spoke at a pre-final news conference at the event, sending a direct message ahead of Argentina's clash with Spain. 'We will give everything we have,' he said, according to KOB. The final is set for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — a venue with deep personal history for Messi.
Fanatics Fest Selfie Brings Sports Royalty Together
The selfie at Fanatics Fest drew an extraordinary cross-sport lineup. Brady, Djokovic, Durant, and former England defender Rio Ferdinand all posed alongside Messi. Rodri and Spain manager Luis de la Fuente also appeared, standing on opposite sides of the frame, according to Twin Cities.
Kevin Hart and Travis Scott were also spotted at the event, adding a music and entertainment dimension to the festival. FIFA organized the four-day celebration around the World Cup, using it to spotlight the tournament's global reach. The event drew some of the biggest names in sports, music, and pop culture all under one roof.
Argentina's 2-1 Comeback Sets Up Final Showdown
Argentina reached the final with a dramatic 2-1 win over England in the semifinal. England led going into the second half, but Enzo Fernández equalized to level the match. Then, in stoppage time, Lautaro Martínez struck the winner to send Argentina through.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was also present at Fanatics Fest, celebrating the team's run to the final. Messi's Argentina now enter the final as defending champions, looking to lift the trophy on American soil for the first time.
Spain Shut Out France to Reach First Final Since 2010
Spain beat France 2-0 in the other semifinal. Lamine Yamal won a penalty by dispossessing Lucas Digne, and Mikel Oyarzabal converted in the 22nd minute to give Spain the lead. Pedro Porro added a second after a sharp team move sealed the result.
The win gave Spain their sixth clean sheet in seven World Cup matches — a sign of how solid their defense has been throughout the tournament. Spain last reached the World Cup final in 2010, when they beat the Netherlands to claim their only title. Now they chase a second.
MetLife Stadium Holds Bitter and Sweet Messi Memories
The World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey carries extra weight for Messi. Back in 2016, he missed a penalty kick at the same venue during the Copa América Centenario final. After that loss, he briefly announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, according to Burlington County Times.
Messi returned and eventually led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title. Now he returns to New Jersey with a chance to win it all again at the same stadium where he once considered walking away. The final against Spain promises to be one of the most-watched matches in World Cup history.
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