Argentina's World Cup Final Squad Arrives in New York After Flight Delay

Argentina’s national football team, known as the Scaloneta, reached the New York metropolitan area on Thursday night after a charter flight from Atlanta was postponed by a severe thunderstorm. The delayed departure forced the delegation to stay at a hotel in New Jersey until the plane could leave, and the squad finally arrived late local time, settling at the Hilton Hills ahead of the World Cup 2026 final against Spain at MetLife Stadium.

The team resumed training in the United States, with Lionel Messi and other key players taking part in a light session while senior coach Lionel Scaloni considered tactical adjustments. Outside the football preparations, the region was experiencing dense smoke caused by numerous uncontrolled wildfires in Canada, which pushed hazardous fine‑particle levels into New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and surrounding states. Local authorities issued air‑quality alerts, recommending limited outdoor activity and the use of filtration systems.

Both the travel disruption and the environmental conditions added logistical challenges as the Argentine side readied itself for the tournament’s decisive match.