World Cup fever builds in New Jersey as fans gather outside team hotels ahead of final
Supporters of Argentina and Spain lined the streets outside hotels in Short Hills and Montclair, hoping to catch one last glimpse of their favorite players before Sunday's World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium.
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The excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup Final is reaching a fever pitch in New Jersey, where fans gathered outside team hotels for the chance to see Argentina and Spain before Sunday's championship match.
Outside the Hilton in Short Hills, hundreds of Argentina supporters waved flags, held homemade signs and cheered as the team buses pulled away, offering fans a brief glimpse of the players.
For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"It's been so nice to have it at home," said Glenda Sosa, of Saddle Brook. "It's an opportunity you don't get too often. I'm not going to travel to another country in the future, and Messi might retire, so this might be his last World Cup."
Families traveled from across New Jersey, with some driving more than an hour just for a few seconds of seeing the team.
"My son is a huge Messi fan, and I wanted him to experience some of the World Cup excitement," Sosa said.
Her son, Wilkens, is already predicting a dominant performance from Argentina in Sunday's final.
Others said the trip was about creating lasting memories.
"They're really big fans of the Argentinian team, so it was just the excitement, happiness and a lot of gratitude that we were able to make it on time," said Denisha Sanchez, of Fair Lawn.
The excitement wasn't limited to Short Hills.
Outside The MC Hotel in Montclair, Spain supporters also lined the sidewalks, hoping to catch a glimpse of their team before the final.
Sheila Vidal, of Kearny, said the moment brought back memories of Spain's last World Cup run.
"It's exciting that we even made it this far because the last time we made it I was in eighth grade," Vidal said. "Growing up in Kearny, Soccer Town USA, soccer was a big part of my house. I wanted my kids to experience the same thing I did."
Some young fans have made a tradition out of greeting every team staying in New Jersey.
Bloomfield resident Alex Archibal said he has already come out to see England, Norway, Germany and now Spain.
"It's amazing. I get to try to see all the players," he said.
The wait is almost over.
Argentina and Spain will face off in the FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday at 3 p.m. at MetLife Stadium, with fans on both sides hoping their team leaves New Jersey as world champions.
