Stars Align At Fanatics Fest: Messi, Rodri, And Global Icons Preview Spain Vs Argentina World Cup Final
The media room at New York's Fanatics Fest was electric ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina. Instead of traditional media, sports legends like Tom Brady, Novak Djokovic, and Kevin Durant took the stage to interview the teams. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and Spain's Luis de la Fuente discussed handling the immense pressure of the looming title showdown. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez expressed his desire to bring back-to-back titles to his country. The spotlight inevitably turned to the viral photo of Lionel Messi with a baby Lamine Yamal. Messi smiled, calling it a crazy picture, while promising that his team will give their all. Spain captain Rodri wrapped things up with a fighter's mindset. While labelling Messi the greatest player of all time, Rodri insisted his team must stay focused to lift the trophy. See the best photos from the ESP vs ARG final news conference.
Argentina's Lionel Messi listens to tennis player Novak Djokovic during a news conference ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Stephanie Scarbrough
Former NFL great Tom Brady, right, speaks as Argentina's Lionel Messi, center, and head coach Lionel Scaloni listen during a news conference ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Stephanie Scarbrough
From left, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez speaks as head coach Lionel Scaloni, Lionel Messi and former NFL great Tom Brady listen during a news conference ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Stephanie Scarbrough
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni and Lionel Messi talk during a news conference ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II
From left, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and head coach Lionel Scaloni listen as Lionel Messi speaks during a news conference ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Stephanie Scarbrough
Argentina's Lionel Messi waves during a news conference ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II
Tennis player Novak Djokovic greets Argentina's Lionel Messi as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, left, and head coach Lionel Scaloni look on during a news conference ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Stephanie Scarbrough
Argentina's Lionel Messi watches during a news conference ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II
Argentina's Lionel Messi, left, takes a question from former NFL great Tom Brady as former England star Rio Ferdinand, right looks on during a news conference ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Stephanie Scarbrough
Spain's Rodri speaks during a news conference ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Stephanie Scarbrough
Spain's Rodri watches as American football player Tom Brady greets head coach Luis de la Fuente during a news conference ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II
Spain's Rodri listens as head coach Luis de la Fuente speaks during a news conference ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Stephanie Scarbrough
Spain's Rodri talks as tennis player Novak Djokovic looks on during a news conference ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II
Spain's Rodri smiles during a news conference ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II
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