The stage is set for an explosive showdown in New York this Sunday as the world's top nations face off in the Geopolitics World Cup final. And amidst all the drama on and off the pitch, one man who refuses to stay out of the spotlight is former US President Donald Trump. The bombastic billionaire has been confirmed to attend the big match at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Spain will be looking to upset the odds against Argentina.
The last time Trump put in an appearance at a major sporting event, he courted controversy by joining FIFA President 'Jonny' Infantino on stage to present the trophy after Chelsea's thumping victory over PSG. This time around, it remains to be seen whether he'll stick to his usual script or try to muscle in on the action as he did when he phoned FIFA to lobby for a review of that red card given to USA forward Folarin Balogun – an intervention that reportedly paid off.
But Trump's reputation for stirring up controversy precedes him. He was greeted with boos from sections of the crowd at Madison Square Garden during a Knicks NBA finals game in June, although he insisted it was largely a positive reception. Meanwhile, Argentina's President Javier Milei will be watching from the comfort of his own home, citing superstition as his reason for keeping his oil company-branded jacket firmly on – an eccentric quirk that has become his pre-game ritual.
This high-stakes showdown promises to deliver on every level, with Lionel Messi set to face off against Spain's Lamine Yamal in what will be a poignant reunion 19 years in the making. Their first encounter, as captured in a Unicef charity calendar photoshoot, has become the stuff of legend – and this rematch is shaping up to be an unforgettable chapter in their ongoing on-pitch saga.