World Cup 2026 Final: Spain coach plans to stop Messi, praises Yamal

Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente has declared the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina will be an "unforgettable show," pitting two exceptional teams against each other. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, De la Fuente emphasized the final's potential for brilliance, talent, and high-quality play, noting the similarities in personality and skill between the two nations.

"I think tomorrow (Sunday) is going to be an incredible show," De la Fuente stated. "We have two super teams that have a lot in common, especially in terms of having big personalities and highly talented players. Both sides, naturally, will try and play to our strengths, but I think that both Argentina and Spain will be plotting a game plan where brilliance, talent and good play shine through above anything else."

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I think tomorrow (Sunday) is going to be an incredible show. We have two super teams that have a lot in common, especially in terms of having big personalities and highly talented players. Both sides, naturally, will try and play to our strengths, but I think that both Argentina and Spain will be plotting a game plan where brilliance, talent and good play shine through above anything else.

Spain received a fitness boost as teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has trained normally after sustaining a knock in the semi-final. De la Fuente encouraged the young Barcelona winger to focus on his own development rather than emulating Argentina's captain, Lionel Messi. "I think Lamine has to be Lamine," the coach advised. "Messi is an unbelievable talent and an example to all young footballers. I consider him a role model, but Lamine has to be Lamine. The best way to help him is to give him the support so he can keep being Lamine."

While tactical details for stopping Messi remain guarded, De la Fuente shared a story from his first encounter with the Argentine legend during his time coaching Sevilla's youth team, hinting at the challenges Spain faces in containing the tournament's leading scorer.

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I think Lamine has to be Lamine. Messi is an unbelievable talent and an example to all young footballers. I consider him a role model, but Lamine has to be Lamine. The best way to help him is to give him the support so he can keep being Lamine.