Fan footage shows true reality of World Cup half time show after claims it was AI generated

The first-ever FIFA World Cup half-time show was a monstrosity, we think you'll all agree.

Featuring a string of performances by Shakira, Justin Bieber, Madonna and BTS, this 27-minute musical extravaganza played so oddly infront of the TV cameras that some viewers thought it might even be AI-generated.

BBC pundit and ex-pro footballer Wayne Rooney delivered his own damning reaction live on air, calling the whole spectacle 'crap' when asked for his thoughts by host Gabby Logan.

Over on social media, the involvement of Brazilian heroes Ronaldo Nazario (known as 'R9' to the football fraternity) and Ronaldinho was especially head-scratching, given they were seen driving Madonna through what looked like a subterranean location before emerging in the New Jersey Stadium - surrounded by the supporters of finalists Spain and Argentina.

"I can't tell what's real, whats pre-recorded and what's AI anymore?!" read one tweet as the scenes unfolded on TV.

"Surely R9 didn't just drive a car with Ronaldinho next to him as Madonna groped his chin from the back seats?!"

Now, one TikTok user in attendance for yesterday's (July 19) final has provided camera phone evidence of the half-time show.

@itscadendavis posted a clip from his seat up in the Gods, writing over it: 'Half-time show was made for watching on the TV apparently.'

As you'd expect from his mountainous positioning, everyone on the pitch appeared ant-sized while the colourful choreography lacked any kind of power.

The beauty of up-close filming means that the professional camera operators can manipulate the energy, producing something the doesn't quite chime with the real-life mood of the place. Madonna and her cohorts weren't even bloody visible.

Stripped up in Argentinian colours, the content creator also revealed that he'd splashed out $10,000 (£7,424) on a ticket to the match, which ended in extra time thanks to a late Spanish winner.

However, even those who'd witnessed the half-time events back at home were underwhelmed by what they'd been treated to.

"Half-time shows are usually always directed towards the people at home," commented one footy fan.

"Well you're sitting in space" and "How did you get tickets on the international space station?" read two of the more jokier reactions.

Then, another person went on to stress how people in the live environment deserve to enjoy 'the real show', especially since they've paid over the odds to be there in the first place.

"I think half-time shows are there for people at home to just continue to watch tv, and for people at the stadium to get up to pee and get another round," reckoned somebody else.

If common sense prevails, that will be the first AND the last World Cup final half-time show.