Argentina and Spain fans party in Times Square ahead of World Cup final as Lionel Messi looks to make history

ARGENTINA and Spain fans geared up for the biggest games of their lives by partying in Times Square. Fans were pictured in their masses dancing and singing ahead of the highly anticipated final. Spain fans partied ahead of the World Cup final Credit: AP They face Argentina tonight Credit: AP The Argentina contingent turned out in similar numbers Credit: Getty The two groups of fans united Credit: EPA An incredible, feel-good atmosphere broke out in the Big Apple ahead of the 23rd edition of the World Cup final. Lionel Messi‘s Argentina are gunning to become the third team in history to win two successive World Cups and the first to do so for 64 years. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! The first team to do it was Italy in 1934 and then 1938, before Brazil did it in 1958 and 1962. After rumblings that the South Americans had got through a very tame set of knockout matches, their dramatic late win over England in the semi-final silenced critics. READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP However, standing in their way is a Spain team who seem to be improving round on round. Their comfortable win over then-tournament favourites France was a strong statement, as Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro’s goals gave them a relatively easy 2-0 victory. It’s a final which has all the ingredients for a spectacle, as the European champions’ strategic approach locks horns with the fight and flair of the world champions. It’s difficult to predict who US President Donald Trump will be handing the Jules Rimet trophy to this evening. Most read in Sport WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS Trump is also expected to embrace each player from both teams after the game, as he did at last year’s Club World Cup final. Spain star Borja Iglesias revealed he will reluctantly shake the president’s hand because he doesn’t want to “go to prison”. Another non-footballing talking point is tonight’s inaugural half-time show. Stars such as Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber will take to the stage. Comment now