Merino: Neutralising Messi a 'huge challenge' for Spain in World Cup final

Spain midfielder Mikel Merino acknowledged that neutralising the threat of Lionel Messi will be a 'huge challenge' as La Roja prepare for the World Cup final against Argentina.

'It's a huge challenge, an incredible motivation for me and the whole team,' Merino said at a news conference on Friday. 'Being able to play against a side like Argentina, which has already won this trophy, makes the match even more significant.'

Argentina captain Messi, 39, has been pivotal in helping the defending champions reach the final. He provided two assists in a 2-1 semifinal victory over England and inspired a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down against Egypt in the round of 16, winning 3-2.

Merino himself has played a decisive role for Spain as a super-sub, coming off the bench to score late winners against Portugal and Belgium. 'I have incredible confidence in myself and my abilities,' he stated. 'But honestly, it doesn't matter who the hero is; the important thing is that the team wins in the end.'

Merino also praised 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, who will face Messi for the first time in a clash representing the past and future of FC Barcelona. The midfielder predicted an intense final, noting that the referee must control the frequency of challenges. 'The faster the ball moves, the less time the opposition has to commit a foul,' he said.

Having no vivid memories of Spain's 2010 World Cup triumph, Merino called it 'magical' to inspire new generations by representing his country.