Tackling Messi ‘huge challenge’ for Spain in World Cup final: Merino

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing AFP, reported that Spain midfielder Mikel Merino has described stopping Lionel Messi as a major test for Spain before their World Cup final against Argentina. Speaking Friday at Spain’s training base in East Hanover, New Jersey, Merino said facing Argentina and Messi added to the significance of Sunday’s final in East Rutherford.

The report said Messi, now 39 and captaining defending champions Argentina, has been central to their run. He set up both goals in a 2-1 semifinal win over England and is tied as the tournament’s leading scorer with eight goals. Al Jazeera also noted his role in Argentina’s last-16 comeback against Egypt, where they recovered from 2-0 down late to win 3-2.

Merino has also been influential for Spain despite mainly appearing from the bench. The Arsenal midfielder scored late winning goals in Spain’s knockout victories over Portugal in the last 16 and Belgium in the quarterfinals. He told reporters he trusts his ability to affect matches, while emphasizing that winning the title would be a collective achievement rather than a matter of individual heroics.

The final is also being framed as a meeting of Barcelona eras, with Spain’s 19-year-old Lamine Yamal set to face Messi for the first time. Merino praised Yamal’s talent and predicted a high-intensity match, saying Spain’s ball speed could help reduce Argentina’s chances to disrupt play. He also reflected on Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning team, saying the current squad has a chance to inspire a new generation.