The world’s biggest soccer match is set for Sunday as Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina face Spain in the World Cup final, bringing together global superstars, a historic halftime show and tens of thousands of fans expected to descend on the region.
Argentina advanced to the championship match after rallying past England on Wednesday, while Spain secured its place in the final with a 2-0 victory over France.
Messi has been one of the tournament’s biggest stars, recording eight goals and four assists as Argentina seeks to become the first nation to successfully defend a World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.
Spain, led by breakout sensation Lamine Yamal, is looking to capture its second World Cup crown and first since winning the tournament 16 years ago.
The final will also feature a first for the World Cup: a halftime show. FIFA says performers will include BTS, Justin Bieber, Madonna and Shakira. President Donald Trump is also expected to attend and present the trophy to the winning team.
Fans heading to the match are being urged to arrive early. Shuttle service begins at 9:30 a.m., while NJ Transit rail service starts at 10:30 a.m. Stadium gates open at 11 a.m., followed by a fan experience. The closing ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m., with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m.
Sunday’s match also marks the first World Cup meeting between Messi and Yamal, who share an unlikely connection. In 2007, Yamal’s parents won a raffle for a photo shoot with Barcelona players, producing a now-famous image that shows Messi holding and bathing the future Spanish star as an infant.
The photo has become one of the tournament’s most talked-about storylines, adding another layer of intrigue to a final already filled with history, star power and championship stakes.
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