Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; East Hanover, New Jersey | July 18 : Spain midfielder Mikel Merino has admitted that containing Lionel Messi will be the biggest challenge for his side when they face defending champions Argentina in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday. As Spain prepare for one of the biggest matches in international football, much of the discussion within the Spanish camp has centred on finding a way to limit the influence of Argentina's legendary captain.

Speaking to reporters during Spain's training session in East Hanover, New Jersey, Merino described facing Messi as both an enormous challenge and an incredible source of motivation.

"Playing against a footballer like Messi is a huge challenge, but at the same time it is an extraordinary motivation. Reaching the World Cup final against the reigning world champions is a very special moment for all of us," Merino said.

The 39-year-old Lionel Messi has once again been at the heart of Argentina's impressive World Cup campaign. The Argentine captain has scored eight goals in the tournament so far, placing him among the leading scorers of the competition. In the semi-final against England, Messi produced two crucial assists as Argentina staged a dramatic late comeback to secure a 2-1 victory and book their place in the final.

Messi's influence has extended throughout the tournament. In the Round of 16 against Egypt, Argentina produced another remarkable comeback under his leadership. Trailing 2-0 until the 79th minute, the Albiceleste scored three goals in the final eleven minutes to claim a stunning 3-2 victory. Throughout the World Cup, Messi's experience, leadership, and ability to deliver in decisive moments have emerged as Argentina's greatest strengths.

Spain, meanwhile, have enjoyed an impressive run to the final, with Mikel Merino playing a crucial role in the knockout stages. The Arsenal midfielder came off the bench to score the winning goal against Portugal in the Round of 16 before repeating the feat in the quarter-final against Belgium, helping Spain progress to the title clash.

Reflecting on his own performances, Merino expressed confidence in his ability to contribute whenever called upon while emphasizing that collective success is far more important than individual recognition.

"I have complete faith in my own abilities. Whenever I step onto the pitch, I believe I can contribute something to the team. But it doesn't matter who becomes the hero. What matters most is that the team wins. If we lift the trophy, it will belong to the entire squad, not just the starting eleven," he said.

Merino also praised Spain's 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who is set to face Lionel Messi for the first time in a World Cup final. The contest has generated enormous excitement among football fans, with many viewing it as a symbolic meeting between one of Barcelona's greatest legends and one of the club's brightest future stars.

Merino, Sunday's final is expected to be an intense and physically demanding contest, making the role of the referee particularly important. He stressed that effective control of tackles and fouls would help maintain the quality and flow of the match.

"The referee will have an important role in controlling tackles and fouls during the game. The quicker we move the ball, the fewer opportunities our opponents will have to commit fouls," Merino explained.

The 30-year-old midfielder also reflected on Spain's historic triumph at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Although he admitted he does not have many vivid memories of that tournament, he said the achievements of that legendary Spanish side continue to inspire the current generation of players.

"Today we have the privilege of representing our country. To inspire a new generation of children is truly a magical feeling," Merino said.

With Argentina aiming to successfully defend their world title under Lionel Messi's leadership and Spain seeking to reclaim football's biggest prize for the first time since 2010, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final promises to deliver a captivating battle between experience and emerging talent. As the football world turns its attention to New Jersey, the spotlight will inevitably remain on whether Spain can find a way to stop Messi, whose brilliance has once again carried Argentina to the brink of World Cup glory.