Argentina and Spain lock horns in the FIFA World Cup final early on Monday, and celebrities have already nailed their colours to the mast. Mohanlal has been cheering Argentina from the stands through the quarter-finals and semi-finals, with Fahadh Faasil joining him for the latter. Actors including Indrajith Sukumaran, Keerthy Suresh, Sunny Wayne and Soubin Shahir have also openly backed La Albiceleste. As anticipation builds for the title clash, celebrities tell us about their World Cup highlights and who they’re rooting for.The viral Messi-Yamal photoshoot feels like a movie : Indrajith SukumaranI’ve been shooting in Palakkad, but I’ve planned my schedule around the World Cup—waking up around midnight to watch matches before grabbing a few hours of sleep ahead of the next day’s shoot.I watch every game because I love football, but my heart is with Argentina. I was a huge Maradona fan, and an even bigger Messi fan. He’s football’s blessed child.Against England, it felt like we saw two different Messis. He was operating on another level in the second half. When Messi finds that gear, there’s very little any team can do. If he can produce even five minutes of that magic against Spain, Argentina will have a real chance.Spain’s biggest strength is their collective game. Their passing, movement and defending are all outstanding, and they showed exactly that against France.And then there’s that viral photoshoot of Messi holding baby Lamine Yamal. It genuinely feels like something out of a movie.I fancy Spain after a shootout: Muhsin ParariThis is probably the toughest World Cup final I’ve had to watch as a fan. I’ve always supported Argentina, but the Barcelona fan in me wants Spain to win. I’d love to see Lamine Yamal lift the trophy. There are many reasons for that, including the stand Spain and Yamal have taken on geopolitical issues. A victory would, in a way, vindicate that.As a fan, I’m torn, which is only natural. I can see it ending 2-2, with Spain winning on penalties. Maybe Lamine lifts the trophy while Messi wins the Golden Boot—that would be the perfect compromise.It also feels like the kind of farewell Messi deserves after silencing so many critics with another magnificent tournament. At the same time, watching a symbolic passing of the torch from Messi to Yamal on football’s biggest stage would be unforgettable.Many fans will find themselves cheering against the player they grew up idolising. That’s what makes this such a dream final—and perhaps one we’ll be talking about for years.I watch football for the thrill of a great contest: Nadiya MoiduMost people seem to be backing Argentina, but I’ll be cheering for Spain. That said, if Argentina wins, I certainly won’t be disappointed, especially since this is probably Messi’s last World Cup. More than anything, I’m hoping for a great game.I was supporting France and England, and although neither made the final, both were exceptional. The biggest surprise for me has been Cape Verde. I’d never even heard of the country before this tournament, and watching them reach the knockout stage has been inspiring.Some matches have been unforgettable, especially England vs Mexico and Argentina vs Cape Verde. Watching them with friends has made the experience even better, and I’m looking forward to another classic in the final. I’m rooting for Spain: Ishan ShoukathI’m an England and Portugal fan, but for the final, I’ll be backing Spain.I’ve been living like a zombie thanks to the World Cup time zones, but it’s been worth every sleepless night. Watching the world’s best players do what they do best, while also seeing underdogs like Cape Verde and Egypt make deep runs, has been inspiring. The best part, though, is how football brings together people who might otherwise have nothing in common.I look forward ro Messi-Yamal showdown: Akshay RadhakrishnanI’m a lifelong Messi fan. Even in Class 5, I wore an Argentina jersey. I still remember falling ill and insisting that I wanted to see Messi. My mother simply put on one of his matches.What I’ve loved most this World Cup is Argentina’s ability to fight back. Even in the 80th minute, you believe they’ll find a way. My favourite moment is still to come—the Messi-Yamal showdown. Whoever wins, I won’t be disappointed. It already feels cinematic.I was sad to see Ronaldo bow out, but I have immense respect for him.
