Messi receives royal welcome in New York ahead of World Cup final

Lionel Messi commanded the spotlight at a New York sports fan convention, drawing overwhelming adoration from attendees ahead of the World Cup final. The event, co-hosted by comedian Kevin Hart and former England international Rio Ferdinand, featured stars like Novak Djokovic, Tom Brady, and Kevin Durant engaging with Spanish and Argentine representatives.

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I took a picture with him when he was a baby … the fact that we're both playing in the World Cup now is crazy.

However, as soon as Messi appeared on stage, the room erupted. Djokovic's attempts to ask his opening question were drowned out by chants of "MESSI, MESSI" as the crowd craned their necks for a glimpse. Messi, seemingly accustomed to such adulation, smiled and waved, though the dynamic raised questions about whether it might have subtly irked athletes like Djokovic or Brady, whose competitive natures typically place them center stage.

Adding a personal touch to the event, Messi posed for a photo with Spain's 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. Messi recalled holding Yamal as a baby during a UNICEF photoshoot, remarking, "I took a picture with him when he was a baby… the fact that we're both playing in the World Cup now is crazy." He praised Yamal as "one of the best players in the world right now" and wished him well for his future.

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He is one of the best players in the world right now so I wish him the best. He is only 19 years old, and he has all of his future ahead.

While other figures like Spain's Rodri offered measured praise for Messi, calling him "the greatest player of all time," Messi's obligations at the convention were brief. He opted out of the official, extended media conference, limiting his public engagement to the fan event. This decision underscored his unique status, where even a brief appearance generates more attention than extended interviews with other global sports icons.

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For me, [Messi's] the greatest player of all time. He's a player who's been able to lead his national team to win the World Cup ​and, in this case, to the final.