Spain's Coach Discusses Strategy Ahead of World Cup Final Against Argentina
Spain's Approach to Messi in World Cup Final
Luis de la Fuente, the head coach of Spain, has dismissed the idea of assigning a specific defender to mark Lionel Messi during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina. He recalled a previous experience where a similar strategy failed dramatically when Messi was younger.
During a pre-match press conference before the crucial match at MetLife Stadium in New York, De la Fuente shared his first encounter with Messi in a youth Copa del Rey game between Sevilla and Barcelona. He mentioned, "I first met Lionel Messi when he was playing youth football. I had heard a lot about a boy named Messi."
No Special Marking for Messi
The coach elaborated on how his team initially planned to closely monitor the young Messi, but the strategy fell apart when the designated marker was substituted. "We decided to man-mark him at first. In the 70th minute, we were tied 0-0, and when the player marking him received a card, I substituted him. In the next 15 minutes, Messi scored four goals," De la Fuente explained.
Reflecting on this experience, he emphasized that Spain would not depend on a single player to contain the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. "Are we going to man-mark him? No. But will we pay significant attention to him? Yes. However, it will be no more than what they will do for our players," he stated.
Praise for Argentina and Scaloni
De la Fuente expressed admiration for Argentina and their coach, Lionel Scaloni. "Admiration, admiration, and more admiration," he said, acknowledging Scaloni as a good friend.
Lamine Yamal's Development
When asked about comparisons between the young talent Lamine Yamal and Messi, De la Fuente insisted that Yamal should forge his own path. "Lamine must be Lamine. Messi is an extraordinary talent and a role model for young players. However, Lamine needs to be himself, and the best way to support him is to allow him to grow as Lamine," he remarked.
Spain's Journey to the Final
Spain enters the final with impressive form, having allowed only one goal throughout the tournament and achieving a record six clean sheets in a single World Cup edition. After starting with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, they have won six consecutive matches, eliminating Austria, Portugal, Belgium, and France to reach their first World Cup final since their 2010 victory. They also carry a remarkable 37-match unbeaten streak into this match, aiming to set a new record for the longest unbeaten run by a European men's national team.
On the other hand, Argentina is pursuing consecutive World Cup titles after a comeback victory against England in the semifinals. Under Lionel Scaloni, they have won 14 straight matches and are known for their dramatic finishes, scoring a tournament-high eight goals after the 85th minute. With both teams having an equal head-to-head record of six wins each and two draws, the final promises to be an exciting clash between the reigning European champions and the Copa America champions.