Tones and I’s performance at the World Cup final splits fans, with some describing it as ‘Gianni Infantino’s worst decision’, while others praise the Australian pop star as proof ‘dreams can come true’

Australian pop star Tones and I’s pre-match performance at the Women’s World Cup final left fans divided on Sunday night.

Tones and I’s latest song ‘The Greatest’ was adopted by the Matildas as their unofficial anthem throughout the tournament and she was back on the biggest stage of all at Stadium Australia.

The pop star worked through a number of hits such as I Am Free, I Made It, Fly Away and her hit debut single Dance Monkey during a 15-minute performance ahead of the game between England and Spain.

The performance, however, received mixed reviews from spectators.

‘Gianni Infantino the worst decision you made was getting Tones and I instead of Ice Spice,’ the Real ALM tweeted.

Another added: ‘The only thing worse than Spain vs England final is…Tones and I.’, while a third implored organisers to stop inviting the singer at such major events.

The pop star worked through a number of hits such as I Am Free, I Made It, Fly Away and her hit debut single Dance Monkey

‘How does Tones and I keep getting away with absolutely zero genuine musical ability,’ added another. 

During her performance, Tones and I paused to reflect on her rise from busking on the streets of Byron Bay to singing in front of a worldwide audience within four years.

‘Four years ago today I lived in my car and played music in the street and I am so proud to be here tonight,” she said between songs.

‘Thank you so much.’

And there plenty who appreciated her performance, particularly given her well-documented struggles early in her career.

‘A young girl from Frankston is the closing act for a FIFA World Cup. Dreams can come true. Good on you Tones & I,’ one viewer tweeted.

‘These little closing ceremony deals are usually dire, but *Tones and I nailed that. *I just learned who this is,’ tweeted journalist Ben Strang.

Sports broadcaster Daniel Garb added: ‘Tones and I excellent pre-game – her tune I Made It sums up the sentiment here perfectly.’

One fan described the decision to invite Tones and I to perform as Gianni Infantino’s worst ever mistake in his tenure as FIFA’s president

Another fan criticised Tones and I for having absolutely ‘zero genuine musical ability’

Another viewer called for Tones and I to no longer being asked to sign at major events

Earlier on Sunday, singer Nikki Webster joined the Matildas on stage at Brisbane’s Riverstage on Sunday for a public celebration following the success of the FIFA World Cup.

The Matildas have been blasting the singer’s triple platinum song ‘Strawberry Kisses’ in their dressing room throughout the entire tournament.

The team were seen singing along with Webster, with captain Sam Kerr taking centre stage to join in the chorus and even sharing the microphone with the Aussie icon.

Ahead of their round 16 win against Denmark on August 17, Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold said the song was a pre-game favourite for the team.

‘Strawberry kisses by Nikki Webster has been a team favourite the last couple of weeks,’ she said.

‘I don’t know where that’s come from. I think actually it was Steph Catley’s favourite song and now we’ve all jumped on the wagon.’

But other viewers praised the performance at the World Cup final 

Journalist Ben Strang noted Tones and I had ‘nailed’ her performance on Sunday night

In a social media video, Catley revealed she would listen to the ‘banger’ on repeat as a child.

‘It’s iconic,’ she said.

‘I had it as a CD in my Walkman and it was a single, and I just listened to it over and over again, so it reminds me of my childhood.

‘It’s happiness in a song, and yeah, it just gets me going on my day and in the changing room right now.’