Lionel Messi’s Argentina will face European champions Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, capping a tournament that has shattered attendance records and delivered a major economic boost to New York and the surrounding region.

More than 80,000 spectators are expected at the stadium, while another 50,000 fans have secured tickets for a free watch party on Central Park’s Great Lawn. New York City has also organised more than 100 free screenings across its five boroughs.

The final has attracted global attention, with US President Donald Trump, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney among the dignitaries expected to attend.

Tournament organisers and business leaders have hailed the competition as a success despite early concerns over high ticket prices and transportation challenges. Bank of America Chief Executive Officer Brian Moynihan said research by the firm estimates the tournament generated about $40 billion in economic activity, with half of that occurring in the United States.

Weather conditions also appear favourable after concerns over smoke from Canadian wildfires. “You can’t really ask for a better day,” said Brian Hurley, a senior branch forecaster at the US Weather Prediction Centre.

For longtime World Cup follower Gonzalo Perez, the scale of the event has stood out. “I think the US has the best of show business, which you don’t find in other countries, actually,” he said.

Fanatics Inc. Chief Executive Officer Michael Rubin said the tournament has elevated soccer’s profile in the country. “The excitement over the last thirty-something days has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Rubin said. “It’s been a lift for soccer that will be here permanently. This was massive for global football in America.”