Argentina Fans Flood New York as World Cup Final Fever Returns Ahead of Spain Clash

World Cup fever returned to New York on Sunday as thousands of Argentina supporters filled the city’s streets ahead of the highly anticipated final against Spain, reviving the tournament atmosphere after interest had declined following the United States’ elimination.

Supporters dressed in Argentina’s iconic blue and white jerseys gathered across central Manhattan, particularly around Times Square and Penn Station, creating a carnival-like atmosphere before travelling to MetLife Stadium in neighbouring New Jersey for the championship match.

Many fans expressed hope that Argentina would secure another World Cup title, with several describing the occasion as potentially Lionel Messi’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage.

“I’m very nervous because I love Argentina. It’s the final. It’s probably the last of Messi. So maybe it’s our day,” said Florencia Luzinin, a 30-year-old Argentine dentist who joined fellow supporters in Manhattan.

The resurgence of excitement comes after public interest in the tournament had slowed following the United States’ exit to Belgium on July 6. Many local fans shifted attention away from the competition once the co-host nation was eliminated.

Film festival organiser Chip Parham said the decline in enthusiasm was expected after the home team’s departure.

“I think that reaction is normal for any sporting event. Once the local team is out, interest naturally falls,” he said, comparing the situation to other major sporting competitions.

In addition to the host nation’s elimination, recent events including a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, severe storms, flooding and smoke drifting from Canadian wildfires had diverted attention from the tournament. Air quality had, however, returned to normal before kick-off.

Despite those challenges, Argentina supporters dominated New York’s transport hubs and tourist centres on Sunday, with Penn Station packed with fans wearing Messi shirts as they travelled to the 82,500-capacity MetLife Stadium.

Spain supporters were also visible around Madison Square Garden, confidently predicting victory for their side.

Spanish fan Alessandra Pichler said she expected her country to defeat Argentina 3-1 while praising the United States for successfully hosting the competition.

“I think the US has done a great job hosting all the games I’ve attended,” she said.

The World Cup atmosphere in New York had gradually faded following the elimination of countries with large immigrant communities in the city, including Mexico and Egypt, but Sunday’s final restored the excitement across the metropolis.