How Spain beating Lionel Messi's Argentina in FIFA World Cup final led to a $1.65 million windfall for Mia Khalifa

Spain's victory over Lionel Messi's Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final not only crowned a new world champion but also resulted in an unexpected financial windfall for social media personality Mia Khalifa.

According to reports, Khalifa earned an estimated $1.65 million after correctly backing Spain to win the title through a high-value prediction associated with the tournament's final.

The payout quickly became a talking point online, with football fans and social media users discussing how one of the biggest stories after the final unfolded away from the pitch.

How did Mia Khalifa make $1.65 million?

Reports suggest Khalifa's windfall came after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final, triggering a substantial payout linked to her winning prediction.

While the exact structure of the wager or promotional arrangement has not been publicly detailed, the reported earnings rapidly went viral across social media, where users reacted to both the amount and the timing of the payout.

The figure of $1.65 million has since been widely shared in discussions surrounding the tournament's biggest off-field moments.

Spain ends Argentina's title defence

Spain produced a memorable performance to overcome defending champions Argentina in the final, denying Lionel Messi another World Cup triumph.

The result ended Argentina's hopes of retaining the title and marked Spain's return to the summit of world football after an impressive campaign.

Despite the defeat, Argentina received praise for reaching another World Cup final and remaining among the tournament's standout teams.

Social media reacts

News of Khalifa's reported earnings quickly spread across X, Instagram and other platforms, with many users joking that she celebrated Spain's victory more than the players themselves.

Others expressed surprise at the size of the reported payout, while football fans continued debating the dramatic conclusion to the tournament.

The story soon became one of the most widely discussed off-field narratives following the World Cup final.

One of the tournament's biggest off-field stories

As celebrations continued in Spain and Argentina reflected on a heartbreaking defeat, Khalifa's reported $1.65 million windfall added an unusual twist to the aftermath of the final.

The episode highlights how global sporting events increasingly generate headlines beyond football itself, with betting, sponsorships and viral social media moments often becoming part of the wider conversation.