STORY: Argentina fans took over New York's Times Square on Saturday (July 18), the eve before their side faces Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

Fans waved flags and banners while singing songs and belting out chants in support of the Albiceleste.

Many carried banners featuring forward Lionel Messi who they hope will lead them to a victory on the pitch. The late Diego Maradona also featured in banners and chants.

Argentina will be looking to defend their 2022 title when they face Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (July 19) with the match slated for a 3:00pm (1900GMT) kickoff.

Spain will be going for their second World Cup title, their first coming in South Africa in 2010.

The match will determine the first World Cup champion to be crowned in the United States since 1994.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (JULY 18, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. VARIOUS AERIAL SHOTS OF TIMES SQUARE WITH MASSIVE GATHERING OF ARGENTINA FANS SINGING AND WAVING FLAGS

2. VARIOUS OF ARGENTINA FANS SINGING AND CELEBRATING

3. VARIOUS OF DRUMMERS

4. VARIOUS OF FANS SINGING, CELEBRATING AND WAVING FLAGS

5. TIMES SQUARE SCREENS AND FANS CELEBRATING

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINA FAN, SILVANA BATISTON, VISITING FROM MENDOZA, SAYING:

"We couldn't imagine it any other way. I have experienced many World Cups, the one last year (2022) in Qatar and everything. But to be here at this one, the one we're taking part in -- there is no explanation. It's incredible, incredible. With everything, being the last one for Messi, with everything. And may it be whatever God wants, but that we are enjoying it, we are enjoying it."

7. FLAG FEATURING THE IMAGES OF LIONEL MESSI AND DIEGO MARADONA

8. FANS SINGING

9. LARGE GROUP GATHERED IN TIMES SQUARE

10. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ARGENTINA FAN, LAUTARO PANET, ORIGINALLY FROM BUENOS AIRES, NOW LIVING IN WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK, SAYING:

"Yeah, hopefully. I mean, we never want to jinx it. So, we're very quiet when it comes to that. We're hoping for the best. We're hoping that he (Messi) plays well, and then we're hoping to celebrate afterwards. So, yes, we're very hopeful. And hopefully we can get to celebrate after. It'll be an unreal story."

11. VARIOUS OF FANS CELEBRATING WITH FLAGS AND BANNERS

12. TIMES SQUARE AND ARGENTINA FANS CELEBRATING

13. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINA FAN, MANUEL NORIS, ORIGINALLY FROM BUENOS AIRES, NOW LIVING IN NEW YORK, SAYING:

"It's impressive. I mean, it's like bringing a part of Buenos Aires, Argentina, here. It's very beautiful to see all of this. The truth is that it's magic."

14. FANS CELEBRATING

15. FAN TAKING SELFIES FROM ON TOP OF SOMEONE'S SHOULDERS WHILE HOLDING A REPLICA WORLD CUP TROPHY

16. TIMES SQUARE FULL OF ARGENTINA FANS

17. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ARGENTINA FAN, BELEN MARTINEZ, VISITING FROM BUENOS AIRES, SAYING:

"I mean, unity, unity. Even when I was walking here, all the locals were telling me, 'Let's go Argentina! Let's go!' And I think Messi does that for us, and the team, of course. The Scaloneta. Let's go Argentina! Thank you."

18. MESSI FLAG

19. FAN HOLDING UP ARGENTINIAN FLAG WITH TIMES SQUARE AND FANS IN THE BACKGROUND

20. VARIOUS AERIAL SHOTS OF TIMES SQUARE WITH MASSIVE GATHERING OF ARGENTINA FANS SINGING AND WAVING FLAGS