Dimapur football fans back Argentina, hail Norway's campaign and hope for one final Lionel Messi masterclass before retirement
Our Reporter
Yapangnaro
DIMAPUR — With the FIFA World Cup 2026 final just days away, anticipation has reached fever pitch in Dimapur, where cafés, roadside hangouts and living rooms have become arenas for passionate football debates.
If there was one consensus among fans, it was this: Norway won hearts even without reaching the final.
For many interviewed by Eastern Mirror, Norway emerged as the tournament's surprise package. Fans praised the team's impressive campaign, highlighting its performances against some of the competition's strongest sides.
Led by Erling Haaland and inspired by Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard in midfield, Norway earned admiration for its fearless football. Japan also received widespread praise, with several supporters arguing it deserved a place in the final after an impressive tournament.
Also read: 'Nobody gave us anything…' Lionel Messi slams critics after reaching FIFA World Cup final
Spain blank France 2-0 to reach FIFA World Cup final
Messi or Mbappe?
The race for the Golden Boot divided opinion. Many fans admitted they wanted Lionel Messi to finish as the tournament's top scorer in what could be his final World Cup, while others believed Kylian Mbappe still had the edge because of his pace and the opportunity to add to his tally before the tournament concludes.
On the Golden Ball, however, there was little disagreement.
“100% Messi,” said one Barcelona supporter, reflecting the overwhelming sentiment that the Argentine captain has been the tournament's standout performer.
Thrills, disappointments
Asked to name the tournament's best match, fans offered a variety of answers. The Argentina-England semi-final featured prominently, while Brazil versus Japan, Argentina versus Cape Verde, Egypt versus Iran, and England versus Mexico also found mention.
France emerged as the biggest disappointment for several supporters, while others pointed to Germany's early exit, Belgium's continued underachievement, Norway's failure to reach the final and Brazil's inability to meet expectations.
The conversation also produced memorable fan stories, ranging from relatable to the extreme ones.
One supporter admitted defying his wife's advice to stay home because of his ‘run-down car’ and instead heading out to watch a match with friends. Another confessed to kicking a kitchen chair after a dramatic missed chance, while a football enthusiast from Kuda village spent the night at another person's house because of a power outage in his neighbourhood.
Many simply recalled staying awake into the early hours, shouting at television screens as matches unfolded.
Argentina over Spain
Support in Dimapur appears to heavily favour Argentina, although Spain has earned widespread respect.
Several fans predicted a closely fought contest that could be decided by extra time or penalties, while others backed Argentina to prevail through its discipline, teamwork and resilience. One supporter predicted a 3-1 victory for Argentina, while a lone Spain fan tipped his side to win 2-1, joking that he would "steal" Cristiano Ronaldo for Spain just to revive the famous Messi-Ronaldo rivalry.
If they could steal one Spanish player for Argentina, fans respectively named Marc Cucurella, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Rodri.
Most supporters dismissed suggestions that the tournament had been shaped by favourable draws or controversy. "Spain and Argentina are both big teams with rich football histories. They deserve to be here," one fan said.
Nagaland’s wait
While Nagaland's passion for football is unquestionable, fans agreed that turning that passion into professional success remains a challenge. Most blamed inadequate infrastructure, weak grassroots development and poor governance of the sport.
"Not just Nagaland, but the whole of India is passionate about football. What we lack is the long-term investment and academy system that countries like England and Spain have," one supporter said.
Another urged communities to support young footballers instead of only watching matches on television or online. "We must support local clubs, football associations and our children who dream of becoming professionals. If we build that culture, perhaps one day we'll see Nagas representing India at the World Cup."
As the countdown to the final continues, one sentiment unites football lovers across Dimapur: they want a championship remembered for great football rather than controversy—and many are hoping for one last magical Messi moment.