Spain midfielder Mikel Merino has acknowledged that stopping Lionel Messi will be one of his country’s biggest challenges when they face defending champions Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, insisting La Roja must produce their best performance if they hope to lift football’s biggest prize.
As anticipation reaches fever pitch ahead of Sunday’s showdown at MetLife Stadium, Merino believes Spain have the quality, confidence and determination to overcome the reigning world champions, but only if they can limit the influence of Argentina’s legendary captain.
Messi has once again demonstrated why he remains one of football’s greatest players, inspiring Argentina’s march to a second consecutive World Cup final despite being 39 years old. His performances throughout the tournament have combined experience, vision and clinical finishing, making him the focal point of Lionel Scaloni’s team.
Speaking before the final, Merino admitted that preparing to face a player of Messi’s calibre requires complete concentration from every member of the Spanish squad.
“Messi is one of the greatest players in football history. If we want to win the World Cup, we must be ready to face that challenge together as a team,” the midfielder said.
The Arsenal midfielder stressed that Spain cannot afford to become overly focused on one player alone, warning that Argentina possess quality throughout their squad.
According to Merino, the South American champions have repeatedly shown during the tournament that they are more than just a team built around Messi. Their disciplined defence, energetic midfield and dangerous attack have all contributed to another impressive World Cup campaign.
Spain arrive in the final with confidence after producing a series of outstanding performances on their way to football’s biggest match.
Luis de la Fuente’s side defeated several strong opponents, including France in the semifinals, while displaying an exciting brand of football built on possession, intelligent movement and attacking creativity.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has emerged as one of the tournament’s brightest stars, with the Barcelona winger producing match winning performances despite his young age.
Alongside experienced players such as Merino, Rodri, Dani Olmo and Unai Simón, Yamal has helped Spain establish themselves as one of the competition’s most entertaining teams.
Merino believes Spain’s greatest strength lies in their unity and collective approach rather than relying on individual brilliance.
He explained that every player understands their tactical responsibilities and is prepared to work tirelessly for the team throughout the final.
The midfielder also praised head coach Luis de la Fuente for creating a winning mentality within the squad.
Since taking charge of the national team, De la Fuente has guided Spain back among football’s elite through a combination of tactical discipline, trust in young players and an emphasis on teamwork.
His leadership has helped produce a squad capable of competing with the world’s strongest nations while maintaining Spain’s traditional possession based style of play.
Argentina, however, present perhaps the toughest challenge Spain have faced during the tournament.
The defending champions have demonstrated remarkable resilience, recovering from difficult moments to eliminate some of the competition’s strongest teams.
Messi’s leadership has been complemented by outstanding performances from Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, giving Argentina balance in every area of the pitch.
Merino acknowledged that Spain must remain focused from the opening whistle until the final minute.
He believes even a brief lapse in concentration could prove costly against a player with Messi’s vision and ability to change matches in an instant.
Despite the enormous respect for Argentina, the Spanish midfielder insisted his teammates are not intimidated.
Instead, he sees the final as an opportunity to make history by helping Spain capture their second FIFA World Cup title and crown a remarkable tournament with victory.
The final also represents a symbolic meeting between two generations of football.
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever to grace the sport, is aiming to end another unforgettable World Cup campaign with a second consecutive title.
Across from him will be Yamal, the teenage prodigy many believe is destined to become one of football’s future superstars.
That contrast has added another fascinating storyline to a final already rich in history and emotion.
Football fans across the world are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a captivating contest between two teams renowned for their technical excellence, tactical intelligence and attacking quality.
For Spain, victory would confirm the success of a new golden generation and mark their return to the summit of world football for the first time since their triumph in 2010.
For Argentina, another World Cup title would further cement their place among the greatest international teams in history while providing Messi with another unforgettable chapter in his extraordinary career.
Merino knows exactly what stands between Spain and that dream.
Containing Messi will not guarantee victory, but the midfielder believes it is a challenge his team must embrace if they are to achieve football’s ultimate prize.
