Merino on World Cup Final: Stopping Messi is a Huge Challenge

Spain's Mikel Merino has confirmed that facing Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final represents an exceptional challenge, noting that limiting Lionel Messi's impact will be one of the key factors in the match.

Mikel Merino spoke at the press conference ahead of the final: "Stopping Lionel Messi will be a huge challenge for us, but it’s also a massive motivation. Facing a team like Argentina, the world champions, makes this match even more significant, and I’m very happy to experience this moment."

The midfielder of Spain spoke about his self-confidence and that of his team, stating: "I have great confidence in myself and in my abilities. Every time I step onto the pitch, I believe I can make a difference for the team." He emphasized that the most important goal is to win the title, adding: "It doesn't matter who will be the hero of the match; what matters is that the team wins. When you win a title, it belongs to everyone, not just the starting players."

Regarding the management of the match, Merino sent a message to the referee, stating: "I expect a very intense game. The referee must monitor the intensity and frequency of tackles and fouls. The faster the ball moves between us, the less opportunity the opponent has to commit fouls."

He concluded his statements by discussing the dream of winning the World Cup, saying: "I remember well Spain's victory in the World Cup in 2010 when I was a child. To represent our country today, and to become a source of inspiration for children as that generation was for us, is magical."