Iniesta Hopes Spain Wins World Cup, Earns Second Star

Andrés Iniesta, the man who scored the goal that secured Spain's only World Cup title in 2010, is eagerly anticipating the upcoming final. He hopes the current generation of Spanish players can achieve a similar triumph, adding a second star to their national team's jersey.

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I'm eager for this generation, these players, to become champions and for us to have another star, the second one.

"I'm eager for this generation, these players, to become champions and for us to have another star, the second one," Iniesta stated in an interview with El País. Reflecting on the 16 years since his iconic goal, he expressed a strong desire for Spain to win again, making his 2010 moment the "first" of many.

Iniesta anticipates a highly competitive final, especially against Argentina. He believes Spain's best chance lies in maintaining the "personality" they have shown throughout the tournament. The former Barcelona star also commented on Lionel Messi, his long-time teammate. Despite Messi's age of 39, Iniesta sees him playing at a remarkably high level, continuing to make a difference, score goals, and provide assists.

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I think if he continues active at his age it's because he's still doing many things well, because of how he takes care of himself, lives football, because of the people around him, because he maintains that passion and attitude to keep improving personally and improving his teammates.

"I think if he continues active at his age it's because he's still doing many things well, because of how he takes care of himself, lives football, because of the people around him, because he maintains that passion and attitude to keep improving personally and improving his teammates," Iniesta said. He noted that Messi has earned his respect and that seeing him play so well is a joy for football fans.

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Argentina has a group of players who go to the death for him. He has earned the credit he has.