Source: Politics<\/p>\n
POLITICO asked some of the most dedicated tourney followers in American politics to share their predictions for the final.<\/p>\n
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul: \u201cComing from Buffalo, we root for the underdogs, those who have not had the championship. Argentina\u2019s had their opportunity. When was the last time Spain won? That was a long time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rob Bonta, California attorney general, former Yale soccer player and father to professional soccer player Reina Bonta: \u201cThe South American champs vs. the European Champs. Messi vs Yamal. The current 39-year-old GOAT vs the 19-year-old wunderkind. Argentina vs Spain. Argentina has come from behind in the final minutes multiple times and grittily found a way to defend their World Cup title, led by the little magician #10. Spain dismantled France with their tiki-taka\/rondo possession, tactical dominance and beautiful football on full display. Two teams at the top of their game, playing for the most coveted trophy in football. It should be a final for the ages! I\u2019m so conflicted! Love them both.\u201d<\/p>\n
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie: \u201c1-1 after extra time, Argentina wins on penalties. After what we have seen in three knockout games from Messi and his team, they will win back-to-back, and he will be considered the greatest player of all time, surpassing Maradona.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mia Bonta, assemblymember and mother to professional soccer player Reina Bonta: \u201cI\u2019m rooting for Argentina, the team including Messi have just played a phenomenal, gritty tournament. But most Bontas are thinking Spain is going to walk away with the trophy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tammy Murphy, former first lady of New Jersey and current chair of the World Cup host committee: \u201cAs we approach the final, I\u2019m wearing two hats. As chair of the New York New Jersey FIFA World Cup Host Committee, my focus is on delivering an exceptional experience for everyone \u2014 from seamless transportation and strong security to a safe, welcoming atmosphere and a lasting economic impact for our region. As a fan of the game, it\u2019s hard not to get emotional knowing we\u2019re about to witness Match 104 after an incredible 39-day tournament. While I have to admit I was disappointed to see England fall in the semifinal, given my family\u2019s English roots on my mother\u2019s side, it\u2019s hard not to be excited about a historic first: the reigning European champions facing the reigning South American champions in a World Cup final. It has all the makings of an unforgettable match. Game on!\u201d<\/p>\n
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan: \u201cGiven San Jose\u2019s Spanish roots as the first official pueblo in \u2018Alta California,\u2019 I\u2019m going to call it 2-1 for Spain with a late-match Argentinian surge that falls just short.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom Steyer, Democratic megadonor, former California gubernatorial candidate and former Yale soccer player: Spain, 2-1.<\/p>\n
Randy Villegas, a Bernie Sanders-backed progressive running against GOP Rep. David Valadao: Spain, 2-1.<\/p>\n
State Sen. Ben Allen, chair of the Senate Special Committee on International Sporting Events: Could not comment because he was too devastated by England\u2019s loss to Argentina.<\/p>\n
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill: “In my heart, I just feel connected \u2026 to Argentina. In my head, I guess just watching Spain\u2019s midfield, it\u2019s hard to imagine that that doesn\u2019t prevail.”<\/p>\n
Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.): 2-1 Argentina, with a goal and an assist for Lionel Messi.<\/p>\n