David Beckham's huge payment for World Cup appearance blows away Shakira and Justin Bieber

Ian Wright criticized the World Cup final pitch at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, calling it "ridiculous, bobbly, and poor." The match between Spain and Argentina took place under scrutiny due to ongoing complaints about the condition of the field throughout the tournament. Wright made his remarks during ITV's half-time coverage, expressing frustration over the playing conditions. The MetLife Stadium, located on the outskirts of New York, faced challenges prior to the match due to severe thunderstorms that caused flooding in the area. However, the issues with the pitch were evident well before the rain arrived. The turf, composed primarily of natural grass laid over an artificial base, dried out quickly in the high temperatures, leading to a patchy and uneven surface. This affected the gameplay, with several players struggling to control the ball. Lionel Messi, among others, found it challenging to maneuver on the uneven ground. Brazil's Vinicius Jr had previously voiced concerns about the impact of the weather and heat on the pitch, noting that it slowed down the game and disrupted their ability to maintain rhythm. French coach Didier Deschamps echoed similar sentiments, stating that the pitch in New York was particularly demanding on the players' physical stamina. As the match progressed, the focus shifted to the halftime entertainment, which included performances by Shakira and Justin Bieber. Madonna kicked off the show with her hit song "Music," accompanied by appearances from Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Bieber performed an acoustic set, while a montage of the tournament played on the stadium's large screens. Despite the star power, the halftime show received mixed reactions from commentators. Ian Wright suggested that Bieber could have delivered a more energetic performance to lift the mood. Wayne Rooney, commenting on BBC, admitted he preferred the moment when the show ended, though he acknowledged the talent of the performers. Keane noted that while the show might have fallen flat for the commentators, the audience likely appreciated it more. The event attracted numerous celebrities, including actor Tom Cruise, who gave a motivational pre-match speech on the pitch. President Donald Trump was spotted seated beside FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a luxury suite. Other notable attendees included Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, as well as Mick Jagger, Pharrell Williams, Victoria Beckham, and Will Ferrell. Despite the criticisms regarding the pitch, Spain emerged victorious in the final, showcasing their resilience and skill on a challenging surface. The outcome highlighted the team's ability to adapt and perform under pressure, even amidst the controversies surrounding the playing conditions.