Dealing with Messi ‘difficult’ in Spain at the end of the World Cup: Merino | World Cup 2026 news

The Spaniard says he has “great confidence” in his abilities after his impressive performance as a substitute.

Spain boss Mikel Merino has admitted that stopping the threat of Lionel Messi will be a “big problem” as La Roja prepare for their World Cup final against Argentina.

“It’s very difficult, very motivating for me and the whole team,” Merino said when meeting Messi at his press conference on Friday.

“Being able to play against a team like Argentina, who have already won the cup, makes this game even more important, and I’m very happy to face them this time,” Merino told reporters at Spain’s training facility in East Hanover, New Jersey.

Argentina captain Messi, 39, has been instrumental in pulling the defenders into Sunday’s final in East Rutherford, setting up a 2-1 win over England with two assists.

Messi, who scored eight goals in the tournament, inspired Egypt to return to the last 16, as Argentina fought back from 2-0 down with 11 minutes remaining to win 3-2.

Arsenal ace Merino was instrumental in Spain’s run to the finals, coming off the bench to score a late goal in the last 16 defeat by Portugal and a quarter-final win over Belgium.

“I have a lot of confidence in myself and my ability, and every time I ride, I believe I can make an impact on the team,” Merino said.

But to be honest, it doesn’t matter who the hero is, the most important thing is that the team wins in the end.” “When you win a race, it belongs to everyone, not just the first 11,” he added.

Merino, meanwhile, was delighted with the “impressive” talent of 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, who will meet Messi for the first time in a clash that represents the past and the future of FC Barcelona.

Merino, 30, predicted that the final would be a “powerful match” and that the referee would need to “manage the number of challenges and potential challenges”.

“When the ball is moving quickly between us, the opposition has less time to do bad things,” he said.

The midfielder, who said he “didn’t remember well” Spain’s first World Cup title in 2010, recalled the excitement of the incoming team.

“To be able to represent our country today and be the same players for the new generations – for the kids who see us – is magical,” he said.