Blake Lively makes first major public appearance at FIFA final after missing Taylor Swift's wedding

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY: Blake Lively stepped back into the spotlight with her first major public appearance since reports surfaced that she was not invited to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's star-studded wedding. 

The actress attended the FIFA World Cup final, marking her first high-profile outing after her absence from the July 3 celebrity-filled celebration sparked widespread speculation. Lively's appearance comes amid reports of a strained friendship with Swift following the fallout from the Justin Baldoni legal dispute.

Blake Lively returns to the spotlight after allegedly being left off Taylor Swift's wedding guest list

Putting the drama behind her, Blake Lively made her first public outing by attending the highly anticipated World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. The 'Gossip Girl' actress smiled from the stands as she watched the match with close friends, including Libby Glazer, Kendall Arin Glazer, and Emma Gray.

Observers noted that Lively appeared to be in high spirits, showing absolutely no outward signs of heartbreak or distress over missing out on the wedding of the century. It was an all-girls outing at the FIFA World Cup final, with Lively attending alongside female friends while her husband, Ryan Reynolds, was nowhere to be seen. The actress shared a post on her Instagram story.

In the photo, Lively poses for a selfie with three female friends inside the stadium. Dressed in a sky blue and white ensemble inspired by Argentina's signature colors. She coordinates with one of her friends in a similar outfit as the group beams for the camera against the backdrop of the packed stadium.

By stepping out at one of the biggest global sporting events of the year, Lively sent a clear message that she is moving on with her life, proving she can command the spotlight with her own inner circle, excluding Swift. 

Inside Blake Lively and Taylor Swift's friendship fallout

Taylor Swift and Blake Lively were once among Hollywood's closest friends, frequently making headlines for their dinner outings, vacations, and public appearances together. 

However, their friendship reportedly began to unravel after Lively referenced Swift in the legal dispute surrounding Baldoni and 'It Ends With Us', despite the singer having no involvement in the case. 

Since then, the two have gradually drifted apart, with neither Swift nor Lively publicly addressing the rumored fallout. Their respective partners, Kelce and Reynolds, have also remained silent on the matter. 

Speculation intensified after Lively and Reynolds were reportedly absent from Swift and Kelce's lavish Madison Square Garden wedding, despite the celebration hosting around 1,000 guests. Their omission from the guest list has fueled further rumors that the once-close friendship has come to an end.