local
Lionel Messi speaks in advance of World Cup final, says Argentina 'will give it our all'
By TIM REYNOLDS, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports
· July 18, 2026
· 1 min read
NEW YORK (AP) — The lineup of sports legends simultaneously on the stage at Fanatics Fest on Friday night was almost absurd. There was Tom Brady, the greatest Super Bowl champion of all time. There was Novak Djokovic, the winner of more men's Grand Slam tennis tournaments than anyone else. There ...
Key takeaway There was Novak Djokovic, the winner of more men's Grand Slam tennis tournaments than anyone else.
Why this matters in The McAllen
For Valley residents who follow international soccer, Lionel Messi's comments in advance of the World Cup final will likely generate excitement. While the World Cup is a global event, its impact can be felt locally, particularly in a community like McAllen with a strong Hispanic influence and a passion for soccer. Many residents in the Rio Grande Valley have ties to countries participating in the World Cup, and Messi's Argentina is often a favorite among locals. As the World Cup final approaches, expect local restaurants and gathering spots to be filled with fans cheering on their favorite teams, with Messi's Argentina likely to be a popular choice. The enthusiasm for the World Cup can also be seen as an opportunity for local businesses to capitalize on the event, hosting watch parties and offering special deals to fans.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . The McAllen surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NEW YORK (AP) — The lineup of sports legends simultaneously on the stage at Fanatics Fest on Friday night was almost absurd. There was Tom Brady, the greatest Super Bowl champion of all time. There was Novak Djokovic, the winner of more men's Grand Slam tennis tournaments than anyone else. There ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by TIM REYNOLDS, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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