Tackling Messi ‘huge challenge’ for Spain in World Cup final: Merino

Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino acknowledged the immense challenge of neutralizing Lionel Messi in the upcoming World Cup final against Argentina. "It's a huge challenge, an incredible motivation for me and the whole team," Merino stated during a press conference on Friday. He expressed happiness at experiencing this moment, especially against a strong opponent like Argentina, who have previously won the trophy.

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It’s a huge challenge, an incredible motivation for me and the whole team.

Messi has been instrumental in Argentina's journey to the final, contributing significantly to their semifinal win over England and inspiring a comeback victory against Egypt in the last 16. The Argentine captain is also the tournament's joint top-scorer with eight goals.

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Being able to play against a side like Argentina, which has already won this trophy, makes the match even more significant, and I’m very happy to be experiencing this moment.

Merino, who has also made a decisive impact as a substitute for Spain, scoring late winners in previous matches, conveyed his confidence in his own abilities. "I have incredible confidence in myself and my abilities, and every time I step onto the pitch, I believe I can make an impact for the team," he said. However, he emphasized that individual heroism is secondary to the team's overall victory, stating, "it doesn’t matter who the hero is; the important thing is that the team wins in the end."

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I have incredible confidence in myself and my abilities, and every time I step onto the pitch, I believe I can make an impact for the team.

The midfielder also highlighted the impressive talent of young Lamine Yamal, who will face Messi for the first time. Merino anticipates an intense final and stressed the referee's role in managing the game's intensity and frequency of fouls. He recalled the admiration for Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning team and expressed pride in representing the country for new generations.

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But honestly, it doesn’t matter who the hero is; the important thing is that the team wins in the end.