Argentina fans stage Times Square takeover ahead of World Cup final

Times Square is usually filled with street performers in various costumes, with Spider-Man, Mickey Mouse, Elmo, and others angling to draw tourists in for photos.Ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the crossroads of the world had probably its most popular lookalike ever, a Lionel Messi doppelganger who was swamped by his compatriots.It was a staggering scene at one of the world's most iconic meeting points, which has hosted large fan celebrations throughout the tournament, but the scale of this one looked to eclipse them all. This Lionel Messi doppelganger was the life of the party in Times Square. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)Argentina's fans have hosted a "banderazo" or pre-game rally before all their games, and have been among the biggest and most lively celebrations of all supporter groups, while Spanish fans had their own celebrations around New York too.This has been a World Cup with so much excellence on the pitch from the biggest names in men's football. But one of the biggest highlights and lasting memories for many will be the way travelling fans, locals and diaspora communities have come together for a joyous shared experience. Fan frenzyThe Argentina celebration started in the early evening, and was still throbbing with what looked to be thousands of fans hours later. Some of them were lucky enough to have tickets for the final, but many more flew to New York just to experience the atmosphere here ahead of the decider, including Nazarena, who is originally from Buenos Aires, but now lives in Atlanta.Fans said they wanted to celebrate together in New York, even if they did not have tickets to the game. (Getty Images: Hannah Peters)"It's my country; I'm living in the United States right now, I had to come here. The environment, my country, my people, look!"Many fans had similar sentiments, riding on a euphoric wave."We are not good in economy, we are not good in many things but we have a big heart so let's go Argentina," one fan said.The Argentine fans have been grabbing headlines for their huge banderazo through the US, but there is a strong Spanish presence in New York too.Many Spanish fans have been watching games at La Nacional in Manhattan's West Village."I think the Argentines, wherever they go, they bring a lot of people, and the Spaniards don't always bring a lot of people, but the few people we do bring cheer a whole lot," Spain fan Emilio said."So, I think we're going to be able to handle the Argentines."La Nacional, part of the Spanish Benevolent Society in Manhattan, has been a key gathering place for the community throughout the World Cup.Founded in 1868, it is the oldest Spanish cultural institution in the US, holds community cultural events and runs a non-profit restaurant.It is expecting hundreds of fans to gather there for the final, and many more to flock there for celebrations should Spain win.Ania Lopez from La Nacional says the World Cup has brought the Spanish community in New York together. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)"The Spanish live football in a very passionate way," La Nacional's community manager Ania Lopez said."We've been very popular [during the World Cup], because we are a reference point for the Spaniards that are here."For this final, it's been crazy the amount of emails that we have. But we are proud to be part of this."