New York Knicks center Andre Drummond was surrounded by excited fans celebrating his signing until an Argentina World Cup fan entered with Lionel Messi on her mind.
Drummond signed a one-year, $3.8 million veteran’s minimum to replace the outgoing Mitchell Robinson on the Knicks’ bench.
As Drummond basked in fan love at Times Square, he and his fans had a funny interaction with a confused World Cup fan.
Argentine Lionel Messi fan bumps into Knicks’ Andre Drummond
As fans surrounded Drummond and started yelling Knicks in five, an Argentine World Cup fan came up to Drummond and the group, speaking in Spanish and asking about Messi.
The fans were quick to yell ‘No Messi’ while Drummond laughed, making this a heartwarming interaction for all.
This likely would’ve been a summer where any Knick from the title run or their new additions would be treated as royalty in the streets.
However, New York is central to World Cup fever, with tourists eagerly awaiting the World Cup Final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in 10 days.
Lionel Messi and Argentina fans await their World Cup Final return in New York
New York won’t host any of the remaining games until the Final on Sunday, 19 July.
Messi is currently the 2026 World Cup’s leading scorer with eight goals as Argentina prepares to face Switzerland in the quarter finals at Kansas City.
If Argentine fans are camping out in New York right now, they’re likely awaiting the national team’s return to the tournament’s final.
While the team is among the favorites, their thrilling 3-2 wins over Cape Verde and Egypt in the first two rounds have created good reason for concern about their defense.
If Messi and Argentina reach the Finals, it will be the third time in the last four World Cups that they make it this far. The first ended with a loss to Germany, while the last ended with a famous win over France.
They’ll hope for a positive outcome again, provided they win their next two games to reach the Final. If they beat Switzerland, they’ll have to face the winner of England vs. Norway in the semi-finals.
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