Finale della Coppa del Mondo: affrontare Messi è una "grande sfida" per la Spagna, dice Merino

Spain's star midfielder Mikel Merino described facing Lionel Messi in the World Cup final as a “huge challenge” ahead of Sunday’s showdown against Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Spanish squad, led by captain Luka Modric, aims to secure its second World Cup title after reaching the final following a hard-fought semi-final victory over England. Merino, who came off the bench to deliver crucial late goals in Spain’s previous matches, emphasized the importance of collective success over individual glory. Merino spoke to reporters at Spain’s training facility in East Hanover, New Jersey, highlighting the significance of the upcoming match. He acknowledged the immense pressure of confronting Messi, the 39-year-old Argentine maestro who has been instrumental in guiding his team to the final. Messi, the tournament’s joint top scorer with eight goals, orchestrated Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final win over England, providing two assists and leading a dramatic comeback against Egypt in the last 16. His leadership and composure under pressure have been key factors in Argentina’s journey to the final. For Merino, the challenge posed by Messi represents both a personal and team test. “It’s a huge challenge, an incredible motivation for me and the whole team,” he said. The 30-year-old midfielder, known for his versatility and ability to change the course of games, has already made a significant impact in this World Cup campaign. His goal in the quarter-final against Belgium helped Spain advance, while his late winner against Portugal in the last 16 secured their place in the final. Merino also expressed admiration for the young talent of Lamine Yamal, the 19-year-old Barcelona forward set to face Messi for the first time in international competition. The encounter between the veteran and the rising star symbolizes the transition of power within football, with Yamal representing the future of the sport. “I think it’s going to be an intense match,” Merino said, predicting that the referee will need to manage the high level of physicality expected from both sides. The midfielder also addressed the broader context of the match, reflecting on the legacy of Spain’s historic 2010 World Cup triumph. While Merino admitted he had “not very clear memories” of that era, he praised the pioneering players who laid the foundation for the current generation. “Being able to represent our country today and be those same players for new generations, for the children watching us, is something magical,” he said. As preparations continue for the final, Merino stressed the importance of teamwork and resilience. “Honestly, it doesn’t matter who the hero is; the important thing is that the team wins in the end,” he said. “When you win a title, it belongs to everyone, not just the starting eleven.” With the stakes higher than ever, Spain looks to build on its momentum and bring home its second World Cup title.