World Cup final under threat after New York decimated by flash floods

The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will kick off at 8pm tonight, but could be interrupted by severe thunderstorms.

The stage is set for what promises to be an incredible contest between Argentina and Luis de la Fuente’s Spain, who secured their spot in the final with a comfortable 2-0 victory over France.

The teams will face off at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and the kickoff time hasn’t been moved despite severe weather this weekend.

Yesterday, flash floods swept through New York and New Jersey, with tornado warnings reported in some areas.

Dramatic images showed cars underwater and New Yorkers wading through the floods to safety after 3 inches of rain fell in a few hours.

Water also flooded into subway stations and sparked delays at John F. Kennedy International.

Though the Yankees game was cancelled yesterday, it will be played this afternoon, and FIFA has said the World Cup final will kick off at the scheduled time.

Wildfire smoke is also hanging above the city right now as winds push the hazy air south from Canada.

Earlier this week, the New York Office of Emergency Management announced that air quality levels in the city had reached ‘very unhealthy’ levels.

The stadium where Argentina and Spain will face off is open-air, but the quality has slightly improved over the last few days.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has decided to make the trip to the United States for the final, along with the Spanish royal family, who will be watching on from a VIP box in New Jersey.

US president Donald Trump is also going to be in attendance and is expected to hand over the World Cup trophy to the victors, having been absent throughout the rest of the tournament.

Earlier today, Lionel Messi sent a stirring message to his Argentina teammates and everyone involved in the national team ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final with Spain.

‘The nicest thing about all these years was never just the titles, but all the path,’ Messi wrote on Instagram. ‘Share the day-to-day with this group, compete together, get up in the difficult moments and enjoy every step.

‘Thanks to each of my teammates, the technical staff and all the people who work every day to keep this national team a family.

‘Whatever happens tomorrow, this group has already written a story that we will never forget and that no one can erase.

‘COME ON ARGENTINA ❤️’

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