Luis de la Fuente Reveals Lamine Yamal's Condition, Discusses Messi Strategy Ahead of World Cup Final

Spain's national football team coach Luis de la Fuente is brimming with confidence ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina. Speaking at a press conference in New York, De la Fuente anticipates a spectacular match, describing both teams as "super" and remarkably similar in their playing styles and player talents.

“

I think it will be a great show. I see two super teams that are very similar, in terms of their behavior, their player abilities. I think it will be a great match. Of course, each of us will try to pull the game to where it suits us best.

"I think it will be a great show. I see two super teams that are very similar, in terms of their behavior, their player abilities. I think it will be a great match. Of course, each of us will try to pull the game to where it suits us best," De la Fuente stated. He underscored the immense privilege of reaching a World Cup final, a feat he considers more important than the outcome. "For me, the important thing is to reach a final. I would sign today to reach every World Cup final and lose, let everyone know that. The important thing is to reach the final," he added.

When asked about his own nerves, De la Fuente offered a lighthearted response, attributing his tension to the need to fly back by helicopter. "I'm quite tense because we have to fly back by helicopter. We have to fly again. That really makes me tense. Other than that, no. I am extremely calm. Being in this situation, under these conditions, is a privilege and we want to enjoy this wonderful moment," he said.

“

For me, the important thing is to reach a final. I would sign today to reach every World Cup final and lose, let everyone know that. The important thing is to reach the final.

Addressing the status of young prodigy Lamine Yamal, De la Fuente confirmed the player is in good condition. "Lamine is fine. All the players trained today. We have our last training session tomorrow. It's one of the most critical moments. Because if something negative happens, there won't be time to recover, but they are all fine," he shared.

“

I'm quite tense because we have to fly back by helicopter. We have to fly again. That really makes me tense. Other than that, no. I am extremely calm.

Reflecting on how to handle the legendary Lionel Messi, De la Fuente recalled a personal encounter from his time coaching Sevilla. "I met Messi when I was coaching Sevilla. We were playing against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey. We went to Barcelona. Everyone was talking with praise about a kid named Messi. We marked him man-to-man at the beginning of the match. The score was 0-0 in the 70th minute. The player marking him got a yellow card, so I substituted him, and Messi scored 4 goals against us in 15 minutes. Are we going to mark Messi man-to-man? No, but will we be very careful against him? Yes."

“

Lamine is fine. All the players trained today. We have our last training session tomorrow. It's one of the most critical moments. Because if something negative happens, there won't be time to recover, but they are all fine.