Messi vs Yamal World Cup Final

Argentina and Spain will contest the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Lionel Messi aiming to cap his international career with a second consecutive title against the teenage sensation he once bathed as a baby in a 2007 charity photoshoot.

Messi described facing Lamine Yamal after that photograph as "crazy" and called the Spanish winger "tremendous," while Spain coach Luis de la Fuente promised the Argentine captain would receive "special attention." The match has been framed as a battle between Messi's individual brilliance and Spain's collective system, with the Argentine star pulling ahead of Yamal in the Ballon d'Or race after a tournament in which he leads the Golden Boot standings with eight goals.

FIFA has confirmed the final will proceed despite concerns over "dangerous" weather conditions, while Delhi announced restaurants and cafes could stay open until 4 a.m. for screenings and a star-studded halftime show featuring Shakira, Madonna, BTS, and Justin Bieber was prepared.