The 48‑team World Cup has delivered five weeks of drama, culminating in Sunday’s final in New Jersey between Spain and Argentina.

At 39, Lionel Messi remains the GOAT, leading goal and assist charts, surpassing his 2022 output and pushing Argentina to a second straight final. He’ll face Spain’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, whom he once photographed in Barcelona as a baby.

The ‘Last Dance’ brigade—including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Son, De Bruyne, Neuer, Modric—saw mixed fates. Ronaldo’s tears after Spain’s win hinted at retirement, though Portugal’s new coach keeps him on the radar. Meanwhile, the tournament set a new record of 172 goals, with an unprecedented 14 own goals.

Norway’s Erling Haaland emerged as a breakout star, scoring seven in his debut and sparking viral moments. Cape Verde’s underdog run, led by goalkeeper Vozinha, shocked the world by pushing Argentina to the brink in the round of 32, earning 29 million followers in a single tournament.