The World Cup final drew celebrities including US President Trump and global pop stars, Liberty Times reported, showing that sport's biggest event has become a world stage where politics, entertainment and culture intersect.

With large performances and events woven around the match, the character of an all-encompassing festival stood out beyond the game itself, bringing a tourism and spending boom to host cities.

Yet mega-events carry the shadow of traffic, security and cost burdens. Behind the dazzling stage, the share borne by cities and residents draws attention too.

Sinophone Bridge Times views mega sporting events not only for their buzz but for the social and economic footprint they leave. Laying the festival's heat and its costs side by side helps readers hold a balanced view for themselves.