FIFA World Cup
Messi and Tom Brady get snubbed by Kevin Durant after nerves get the better of him at Fanatics Fest
One awkward moment sparked plenty of speculation before a single selfie put the rumors to rest… Show More
One awkward moment sparked plenty of speculation before a single selfie put the rumors to rest
The FIFA World Cup Final being held in the United States has turned the tournament into more than just soccer's biggest stage. With the country's entertainment culture and celebrity presence, this edition has become a major show that extends far beyond the game itself.
That has created moments rarely seen before, bringing together the biggest stars from different sports. Even athletes who have reached the top of their own disciplines can be caught off guard when they find themselves sharing the spotlight with icons like Lionel Messi.
A moment that fueled speculation
That seemed to happen to Kevin Durant. The NBA superstar and Olympic gold medalist with Team USA appeared to let the occasion get the better of him at Fanatics Fest, seemingly overlooking Lionel Messi and Tom Brady despite standing just a few feet away.
Some of the biggest names in sports gathered under one roof at Fanatics Fest on Friday, only days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. Novak Djokovic, Tom Brady, Kevin Durant, and Lionel Messi were among the stars taking part in one of the most remarkable crossovers the sporting world has seen.
A video from the event quickly spread across social media after Durant greeted several people on stage, including Djokovic, but appeared to pass by Messi, Brady, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, and head coach Lionel Scaloni. He did, however, warmly embrace Spain's Rodri and head coach Luis de la Fuente, leading many fans to question what had happened.
The photo that cleared everything up
The rumors faded almost as quickly as they started. Durant later shared the now-viral selfie that has been making the rounds online, showing there was no bad blood behind the brief interaction. Messi joined several sports legends for the photo shortly before leading Argentina into the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
The selfie, taken by Durant during Fanatics Fest in New York City, also included Tom Brady, Novak Djokovic, Rio Ferdinand, Rodri, Emiliano Martínez, rapper Travis Scott, and comedian Kevin Hart.
Rather than confirming the speculation, the image suggested the opposite. What looked like an intentional snub turned out to be a brief moment on a stage filled with world champions, sporting icons, and some of the most recognizable figures in global sports.
