The Spanish midfielder said he had “great confidence” in his abilities after his excellent performance as a substitute.
Published July 17, 2026
Spain super-sub Mikel Merino has admitted neutralizing Lionel Messi’s threat will be a “huge task” as La Roja prepare for their World Cup final clash against Argentina.
“This is a big challenge and an incredible motivation for me and the whole team,” Merino said of facing Messi in a press conference on Friday.
“Being able to play against a team like Argentina, who have already won this trophy, makes the match even more meaningful. I’m very happy to experience this moment,” Merino told reporters at the Spanish national team’s training base in East Hanover, New Jersey.
Argentina captain Messi, 39, played a pivotal role in taking the defending champions to Sunday’s final in East Rutherford, providing two assists in a 2-1 victory over England in the semi-finals.
Messi, who is tied as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals, also sparked a dramatic comeback against Egypt in the last 16, as Argentina fought back from a 2-0 deficit with 11 minutes remaining to win 3-2.
Arsenal ace Merino played a decisive role in Spain’s advance to the finals, scoring the winning goals in the last 16 defeat against Portugal and in the quarter-finals against Belgium, coming on as a substitute, and scoring the winning goal late on.
“I have incredible confidence in myself and my abilities and believe that I can impact the team every time I step on the pitch,” Merino said.
“But to be honest, it doesn’t matter who the hero is. What matters is that the team wins in the end. If we win the title, it belongs to everyone, not just the starting eleven.”
Meanwhile, Merino was enthused by the “impressive” talent of 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, who will face Messi for the first time in a clash that represents FC Barcelona’s past and future.
Merino, 30, predicted that the final would be an “intense match” and that the referees would have to “control the intensity and frequency of challenges and fouls”.
“The faster the ball moves between us, the less time it takes for the opponent to commit a foul,” he pointed out.
The midfielder said he didn’t have “very vivid memories” of Spain’s first World Cup win in 2010, but recalled his admiration for the pioneering team.
“To be able to represent our country today and be the same player for a new generation, the kids who are watching us, is magical,” he said.
