Rodri: Argentina is more than Messi, Spain must focus on collective play

Spain's captain, Rodri, has acknowledged Lionel Messi's unparalleled status as a player while emphasizing that Argentina's true strength lies in their cohesive team performance. "I don't think it's necessary to express what he is as a player and what he means to Argentina. He is the best of all time, who was capable of leading and taking his national team to win the World Cup in Qatar 2022 and now to the final," Rodri stated.

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I don't think it's necessary to express what he is as a player and what he means to Argentina. He is the best of all time, who was capable of leading and taking his national team to win the World Cup in Qatar 2022 and now to the final.

However, Rodri quickly pivoted to highlight Argentina's broader capabilities beyond their star player. "Argentina is more than Messi, with players of the highest level. We are the two teams that play best collectively. We will have to take Leo into account, but also many others," he added. Rodri views Argentina as a "very complete team, in many facets of the game."

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Argentina is more than Messi, with players of the highest level. We are the two teams that play best collectively. We will have to take Leo into account, but also many others.

Rodri expressed confidence in Spain's own solid performance throughout the tournament. "We have been very solid during the tournament, and they have shown that they can turn games around. We have to concentrate on what we are," he said. The final match is set to take place on Sunday, July 19, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, kicking off at 3:00 PM local time (19:00 GMT).

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It is a very complete team, in many facets of the game. We have been very solid during the tournament, and they have shown that they can turn games around. We have to concentrate on what we are.