Barca fingerprints and Messi magic all over Spain-Argentina final, say Xavi and Mascherano

The upcoming World Cup final between Spain and Argentina may be framed by national colors, but Barcelona legends Xavi Hernandez and Javier Mascherano see the distinct imprint of their former club everywhere. From Spain's squad, featuring La Masia academy graduates, to Lionel Messi, the Argentine icon still dominating matches at 39, Barcelona's influence is undeniable.

“

He is a special one, you know? You cannot compare (him) with anyone. He's different, totally different.

Xavi, a key figure in Spain's 2010 World Cup victory with their signature tiki-taka style, and Mascherano, Messi's former teammate and coach, spoke to Reuters about the final. They noted Spain's squad includes Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, players Xavi personally debuted as teenagers during his tenure as Barcelona manager. Argentina, meanwhile, relies on Messi, who is aiming for a second consecutive World Cup title.

Mascherano expressed that Messi's continued brilliance remains astonishing. "He is a special one, you know? You cannot compare (him) with anyone. He's different, totally different," Mascherano said. "Always when we see him, always it's a surprise because he's doing a lot of things that we will never, never see in another player. So, I think in the future, it will be difficult to find a player like him. I think it's impossible."

“

Always when we see him, always it's a surprise because he's doing a lot of things that we will never, never see in another player. So, I think in the future, it will be difficult to find a player like him. I think it's impossible.

Xavi echoed these sentiments, recalling watching Argentina's semi-final win with Mascherano. "We were together watching the game, and he told me, '39 years (old), and what's he doing?' It's amazing," Xavi said. "In my opinion, he's the best in history. And he's still making a difference on the pitch. And his ambition, his attitude, he's a warrior. He's absolutely the best."

“

We were together watching the game, and he told me, '39 years (old), and what's he doing?' It's amazing.

Mascherano further elaborated on Messi's impact, suggesting he still dictates the game's flow. "I think he is still showing that he is the owner of the game," he stated. "He has the ball, and he makes the decisions sometimes that he is going to win the game and he can do that." Xavi also shared pride in seeing young players like Yamal and Cubarsi, whom he coached at Barcelona, reach the World Cup final, highlighting their character and passion.

“

In my opinion, he's the best in history. And he's still making a difference on the pitch. And his ambition, his attitude, he's a warrior. He's absolutely the best.