Messi appeared uncomfortable at World Cup final event in Manhattan, skipped Argentina press conference

Lionel Messi joined the likes of Kevin Hart, Rio Ferdinand, Novak Djokovic, Tom Brady and Kevin Durant on stage in Manhattan

By Ryan Taylor | 05:40, 18 Jul 2026

Before we even got to the half-time show – which may last up to 25 minutes – Spain boss Luis de la Fuente was asked a more pressing question.

Was he concerned about the dry pitch at the MetLife Stadium, or the polluted air following Canadian wildfires?

Without hesitation, speaking on the fifth floor of the Javits Center in Manhattan, he replied:

"I'm quite nervous because we'll be returning by helicopter. We came by helicopter, and we have to fly back once the press conference is over, and that really makes me nervous. Nothing else, though, I'm absolutely calm. We're lucky to be in these circumstances, in this situation."

The remark initially came across as a joke, but the Euro 2024-winning boss's nervous laugh told its own story.

Welcome to New York, where everything is bigger in the hope that it will be better.

A festival of stars

It might be the World Cup final, but flying a manager to a pre-match press conference still feels ridiculously excessive. Then we caught a glimpse of what was going on downstairs at the 'Fanatics Fest'.

De la Fuente and Spain captain Rodri were invited on stage by Kevin Hart and Rio Ferdinand before Lionel Scaloni, Emiliano Martinez and Lionel Messi swiftly joined them.

The fact Argentina had three figures presented – as opposed to La Roja's two – felt as though the dirty tricks were already underway.

Later on, Messi never arrived for the press conference, and Martinez joined Scaloni instead.

First, they all faced questions from Hart, Ferdinand, then tennis great Novak Djokovic and NFL icon Tom Brady, before NBA star Kevin Durant snapped a selfie of the lot. Supporters went wild, but Messi appeared sheepish.

At one point, he visibly winced due to an earsplitting screech from the sound system amid technical difficulties.

His primary mission is writing more history with Argentina, not the camaraderie less than 48 hours out from a showpiece World Cup final.

An uncomfortable atmosphere

At one point, Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez attempted to translate a question from Brady into Spanish for Messi, who was dismissive, indicating he understood.

Still, it was all rather uncomfortable. What quickly became apparent during the serious stuff was that for Spain, this contest is an assignment.

The message conveyed by skipper Rodri was one of pure professionalism and laser-sharp focus. It's about the execution of an ideology and detailed tactical blueprint – a continuation of Spain's excellent spirited team performances.

For Argentina, World Cup glory is defined by far more than that. That's not to say it means more to Argentina than it does to Spain, but for Scaloni's troops it's an obsession. The passion is not a choice – it's a lifestyle.

Retaining their crown would mean everything to La Albiceleste. Now the talking is done, there is a sense this could well be a final like no other.

It will be hard to topple Qatar for sheer drama and entertainment, but FIFA, Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump are determined to put on a show.

Whatever happens and whatever you think of them, we won't forget this tournament in a hurry.

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