Five weeks after the start of the biggest-ever football tournament, the FIFA World Cup final is almost upon us, with Spain facing defending champions Argentina in a clash of titans.

Spain seeks its second world title 16 years after its first, while Argentina aims to become only the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups.

A viral photo of a young Lionel Messi bathing a baby Lamine Yamal during a 2007 UNICEF shoot has resurfaced, as the two now face off in the final. Photographer Joan Monfort called it “a true miracle of destiny.”

US President Donald Trump will attend the final and present the trophy alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Trump previously urged Infantino to review a red card given to US striker Folarin Balogun, a decision that drew criticism.

Argentine President Javier Milei will skip the final due to superstition, having watched all previous matches on TV wearing the same jacket.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has affected air quality in New York and New Jersey, but a cold front is expected to clear the haze by Sunday.

The average ticket price for the final is a record $11,327, the highest in US sports history, surpassing the Super Bowl and NBA Finals.

For the first time, the World Cup final will feature a half-time show inspired by the Super Bowl, with performances by Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, and others.

FIFA has increased the prize fund to a record $727 million, with the champions receiving $50 million and the runners-up $33 million.

Lionel Messi leads the race for the Golden Boot, while Kylian Mbappe will play in the third-place playoff. The final will be officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic.

Source: www.aljazeera.com