NEW YORK — Just two days ahead of the World Cup final and what could be his last appearance in the tournament, Lionel Messi found himself in a helicopter soaring over the Hudson River, navigating through Friday’s rush hour to attend a scheduled event.

Inside the Javits Center, a central conference hub on Manhattan’s west side, celebrated figures such as actor Kevin Hart, NFL icon Tom Brady, and tennis star Novak Djokovic posed questions to the Argentine legend. Fans packed the theater, expressing their admiration for Messi while capturing the moment on their phones, reminiscent of a rock concert atmosphere.

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Though Messi typically shies away from the limelight, he offered a modest wave to the crowd, almost as if apologizing for the attention directed at him.

This Sunday, however, the focus will be on the 39-year-old superstar as he leads Argentina against Spain at MetLife Stadium.

La Albiceleste aims to become the first team since Pelé’s Brazil in 1962 to clinch consecutive World Cup titles.

On Friday, Messi chose not to address thoughts on this potential achievement. At FIFA’s news conference at the Javits Center, coaches and captains were scheduled to speak. Spain’s Luis de la Fuente and midfielder Rodri joined Messi’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, while Messi predictably opted out of the event (goalkeeper Emi Martínez stood in for him).

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Instead, Messi seems determined to let his performance on the field speak for him.

Yet, Messi remains a hot topic as Argentina prepares for their third championship game in four World Cups. They lost to Germany in 2014 but triumphed four years later, defeating France in a nail-biting shootout following a thrilling 3-3 draw in Qatar.

Scaloni praised Messi, stating, “The best footballer the world has seen [is] something beautiful, and reaching a final at 39 years of age is unbelievable. We must enjoy him as we did with Diego Maradona. We still miss him, but Messi is here with us. He is the legend, and together with this group, he has provided us with these marvelous years.”

When questioned about whether Messi will don the iconic sky-blue and white jersey for the last time on Sunday, Scaloni replied, “Ask him. I don’t have the foggiest idea, to be honest. I don’t know what to answer. He continues to surprise us.”

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At this World Cup, Messi has delivered an exceptional performance. He shares the scoring lead with France’s Kylian Mbappé, each boasting eight goals, but Messi holds the edge in assists, giving him the tiebreaker. Meanwhile, Mbappé’s French side will compete against England in Saturday’s third-place match in Miami.

Messi is also a frontrunner for the Golden Ball, aiming to be recognized as the tournament’s best player for a historic third time.

He has been essential in Argentina’s tense comebacks throughout the knockout stages, notably with a two-assist performance in their 2-1 semifinal victory over England on Wednesday in Atlanta.

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While this may be Messi’s farewell to the national team after 21 years and six World Cups, he will continue playing soccer with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer for the foreseeable future.

“It goes beyond words what Messi means as a player and for Argentina,” Rodri stated. “Obviously for me, he’s the greatest of all time.”

‘What a crazy picture!’

Sunday’s final will see a rising star in Spanish winger Lamine Yamal, who, like Messi, is rapidly climbing to fame at FC Barcelona.

Years ago in Catalonia, Yamal’s family won a raffle for a photoshoot with Barcelona players. Messi, at age 19, posed with a 3-month-old Lamine. Now facing each other in the final, the nostalgic images have resurfaced widely this week.

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During Friday’s fan event, Messi was asked about facing Yamal, who now stands at 19 years old, in the World Cup final. “He is one of the best players in the world right now, so I wish him the best,” Messi responded. “He’s young and has all his future ahead. He has the chance to make history, but we will also give our best.”

Reflecting on the past photoshoot, he added, “Now we are facing each other. What a crazy picture!”

De la Fuente, who led Spain to the 2024 European Championship with Yamal on the team, was asked if he notices similarities between Messi and his young star. “Messi is a once-in-history player,” the Spanish coach responded. “He’s an example, a role model for youth. At his age, he’s competing at such a high level. I advise Lamine to remain true to himself. Supporting him means allowing him to be who we know he can be because he has great potential.”

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Just as Argentina is more than Messi, Spain is “not just Lamine,” Martínez remarked. “They have a strong team, and truly, they deserve to be in the final for a reason. They have their strengths, and so do we. I hope this final will be memorable for the fans.”

As Messi approaches the twilight of his career, one thing is certain: he will leave a lasting impact.