At a lively Fanatics Fest held in New York on Friday, former Golden State Warriors star and double NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant found himself in an unexpected and somewhat awkward spotlight.
Durant took the stage for a question-and-answer session alongside global sports icons, including Argentina’s cherished soccer squad led by none other than Lionel Messi, and NFL legend Tom Brady, previously of the New England Patriots fame.
Following an engaging exchange where Brady questioned Messi, Durant emerged next onto the stage, ready to join the esteemed lineup.
Sporting a slight smirk as he approached, Durant made his way behind the gathered Argentine players. After receiving the microphone from Brady, he greeted the prominent figures on stage. These included comedian Kevin Hart and Spain’s national soccer team coach, Luis de la Fuente.
Once Durant received the microphone, he said, “I got a question for [Emi Martínez] right here,” Durant said, leaving Martínez pointing at himself and appearing shocked.
Durant went on to say, “Yes, you,” while looking toward Martínez.
After Durant startled him, he asked, “What would it mean for your country and team to win back-to-back World Cups?”
The Q&A session between Argentina and Spain came days before they face off in the World Cup final on Sunday in New Jersey.
Argentina is looking to become the first team to win back-to-back tournaments since Brazil did it in 1958 in Sweden and in 1962 in Chile.
Spain, however, is looking to win its first World Cup under de la Fuente’s guidance as head coach, and it would be its first time winning the tournament since 2010.