The attraction of the World Cup is so compelling that it has a noticeable effect on financial market activity, as traders – like everyone else – turn their attention to it.

Research has found that when a particular team plays in a match, its national stock exchange will be pretty dull during that period of time.

In one example, the number of trades on Chile's stock exchange fell by 83 per cent when the team was playing.

In fact, Latin American teams' stock exchanges are among the top markets affected when their national teams play.

Will Messi and his team cause a national stock exchange meltdown tomorrow? Certain not, because it is a Sunday