Road to the World Cup final: Celebrities share predictions, excitement

With Brazil out of the World Cup, many Bangladeshi celebrities have thrown their support behind Argentina as the defending champions chase a second consecutive title. This year's final holds added significance for Barcelona fans, who will watch club legend Lionel Messi face a Spain side packed with current and former La Liga stars.

Ahead of Monday's showdown between Argentina and Spain, The Daily Star spoke to several celebrities about who they are backing and how they plan to spend football's biggest night.

Alif Alauddin

Singer Alif Alauddin, a die-hard Argentina supporter, is the woman behind the viral phrase "Amra Committeer Lok" (We are the committee people), which took off online after rival fans jokingly claimed FIFA favoured Argentina.
Alif revealed that she not only coined the phrase but also designed the now-famous T-shirt inspired by it.


"I came up with the line that Argentina have come this far because they're the committee's team. The phrase became very popular, and I designed the T-shirt myself," she said.

She and her husband, along with two friends, wore the shirts while watching a match and later shared photos online. The design quickly caught on. "People started recreating the T-shirt and wearing similar designs," she added.
Although she has received several invitations to watch the final, Alif is leaning towards staying home.

"I've been invited to three or four places, but I'll most likely watch it at home. When you're in a big crowd, you can end up missing parts of the game," she said.

As for Argentina's chances, the singer remains cautiously optimistic. "They gave us heart attacks for 80 minutes and only played well in the last 10," she joked. "But I hope things will be different in the final. Spain are an excellent team, so it won't be easy."

Ashfaque Nipun

For filmmaker Ashfaque Nipun, the final is about more than Argentina versus Spain—it's a clash between Barcelona's past and present.

"I'm probably more excited than most people," he said. "Messi is leading Argentina, while Spain have several Barcelona players. It feels like Barcelona legends versus Barcelona players."

Nipun described the match as a "win-win situation". Whether Messi lifts the trophy or Spain prevail, he says a part of Barcelona will still come out on top.

To mark the occasion, he plans to wear a Barcelona jersey and watch the match with friends. He also believes fans could witness a truly historic night.


"It will almost certainly be Messi's last World Cup match," he said, adding that the final could also signal the arrival of football's next superstar, Lamine Yamal.

Dola Rahman

Singer Dola Rahman and her entire family are backing Argentina, and she believes an Argentine victory would trigger celebrations across Bangladesh.

"They're right on the brink of becoming champions again. We're extremely nervous and emotional. It's a mix of so many feelings," she said.

The singer plans to watch the final at home with her family and father, but if Argentina win, she already knows where she'll be heading.

"I'll probably go to the streets or TSC to celebrate and dance," she said with a laugh.


Dola also pointed to Argentina's unpredictability as both a source of frustration and excitement.

"Sometimes it feels like they won't make it, and then suddenly, they completely change the game," she said, adding that while Messi remains the headline act, the rest of the squad have also been exceptional.

Jannatul Sumaiya Heme

Actress Jannatul Sumaiya Heme may be a Brazil supporter, but she believes Argentina are favourites to lift the trophy.

"I'm excited, mostly because it's been so much fun," she said. "My page admin has been posting football content throughout the World Cup, and now everyone jokes that whichever team I support gets knocked out!"

Although Brazil's exit left her disappointed, Heme said Argentina's fighting spirit has impressed her throughout the tournament.

Asked for her prediction, she did not hesitate: "I think Argentina will win."

Unlike many fans, however, she plans to skip the watch parties and enjoy the final from home.

Irfan Sajjad

Actor Irfan Sajjad is hoping for one more dose of Messi magic as Argentina chase another World Cup title.

"Argentina have already won so much since 2021, but if they win this one, it will be something magical," he said, describing a second straight World Cup triumph as a remarkable achievement.

He has not yet decided where he will watch the final, although he admits matches are often more entertaining in the company of Brazil fans.

"There are some die-hard Brazil supporters among my friends, and honestly, watching a match with them is always more fun," he joked.
Like many football lovers, Irfan remains in awe of Messi.

"I don't think football has ever seen someone quite like Messi, and I don't know if it ever will again," he said.

The actor also confessed that he has missed Ángel Di María during the tournament.

Read more

The many faces of Yash Rohan

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source