Rodri before Argentina: “We have to want to win more than we fear losing” | OneFootball

New York — The countdown is finally over. After a month of drama, packed stadiums and plenty of storylines, the 2026 World Cup has reached its final act. Only two teams remain: defending champion Argentina and a Spain side looking to win its second World Cup and cap off one of the most successful cycles in its history.

Rodri first up behind the mic

The first Spaniard to face the media ahead of Sunday’s final was captain and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who made it clear that simply reaching the final was never the goal.

“The main objective was to be in Sunday’s final; our objective before arriving at this World Cup was to win it. We were convinced that it was possible and we’ve shown that this national team has been able to beat great opponents. Now we face the toughest rival. It will be the perfect test to prove whether we are capable of lifting the trophy.”

Spain has looked like one of the tournament’s most complete teams, but Rodri believes Argentina presents a different kind of challenge. He pointed to the Albiceleste’s comeback win over England as proof of their resilience and personality while insisting Spain has to impose its own style if it wants to leave MetLife Stadium with the trophy.

“That speaks about the competitive character that team has, knowing how to come back from difficult situations and showing personality. We understand the kind of team they are. We’ll try to hurt them in the ways we know we can; the match can take many different turns. We have to be eager to conquer the World Cup.”

Rodri on Sunday’s final

Rodri has already lifted the UEFA Nations League and the European Championship with Spain. Now, he’s one win away from adding football’s biggest prize to his résumé.

Winning the Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship in 2024 set the foundation for the success the team has achieved over the past several weeks. An even bigger challenge awaits against defending champion Argentina on Sunday.

“We’ve been gradually growing,” Rodri said Friday. “We have to keep doing the same things we’re doing because it has been a process for all five years.”

“Our goal when we got to this World Cup was to win the trophy, and we were convinced that we could achieve this. We’ve shown that this national team has been able to defeat great opponents.”

“I think Sunday’s match will be quite different, as it will be a more physical one and we must be prepared. And I believe if we are known for something in this national team is that we know how to play different games based on the moment.

“So, we can adapt to having to defend, counter-attacking, to attacking. We are a very complete team, and that is why we are here.”

“We can even do it better. I think against France, we do one of the best games we ever done as a team. But against Argentina, I think we have to rise a level because they are the champions. And I’m really confident that we can do it.”

Luis de la Fuente chimes in

Then it was Luis de la Fuente’s turn, and it didn’t take long before the obvious question came up: how do you stop Lionel Messi? The Spain coach’s answer was simple.

“You don’t stop Messi with one player, but with the effort of the entire team.”

On Lamine Yamal’s fitness, De la Fuente said there are no concerns heading into the final.

“Lamine is doing well. Today every player trained normally. Tomorrow we’ll have our final training session and hopefully there won’t be any setbacks. Lamine must be Lamine and Messi is Messi.”

Asked about the matchup itself, De la Fuente praised both finalists before offering one line that may age well—or very poorly—once the whistle blows.

“They are two outstanding national teams, two outstanding squads. The referees are there to help us and to help the spectacle.”

With Messi chasing another World Cup, Lamine Yamal playing in his first, and MetLife Stadium set to host football’s biggest game, the spectacle probably won’t need much help. Hopefully, neither will the referees.

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