The final whistle is still to come, but the excitement is already in full swing as Montreal soccer fans gather to watch the FIFA Men’s World Cup final.
Supporters are coming together at Place des Festivals to watch Spain take on defending champions Argentina in the tournament’s biggest match, with the game being shown live for fans looking to experience the action with the crowd.
The downtown celebration is happening alongside the Just for Laughs Festival, bringing together two major events in the heart of Montreal.
As fans wave flags, wear their team colours and cheer every chance on the pitch, the city is joining millions around the world watching to see who will lift the World Cup trophy.
Montréal Roses FC player shares excitement for World Cup final
Among those watching was Montréal Roses FC midfielder Marie-Yasmine “Mimi” Alidou, who came to enjoy the atmosphere and follow the action as a player and a fan.
Alidou said she was hoping to see more from Argentina early in the match, especially while cheering for superstar Lionel Messi.
“I think in the second half, they’re going to have a lot more, because they’re going to come back stronger after this half,” Alidou said.
As Spain controlled much of the possession early on, Alidou said a player like Messi can change the game at any moment.
“I think Messi doesn’t need that many chances. Sometimes it can come out of nowhere, or he just has this magic in him,” she said.
The professional player said the atmosphere surrounding the World Cup shows the ability of soccer to connect people across cultures and backgrounds.
“Football is the best sport in the world. It unites people from all over the world. Different backgrounds, anything,” Alidou said.
“Football doesn’t care about money, so I think it’s a good place to be with people that you don’t know or just come first and watch the game. So I think it unites everyone, and it’s magical.”
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