The match between Spain and Argentina will start on July 19th at 22:00 Lithuanian time.
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In the semifinal, Spain defeated France 2:0 and gave the country its first World Cup final since 2010, when they also triumphed.
However, now they face a very big challenge. Not only stopping the miracle-working Argentina but also limiting the wunderkind L. Messi.
In this championship alone, the 39-year-old icon has scored 8 goals and made 4 assists.
Before the upcoming match, Spain’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente recalled a funny story about his first encounter with the Argentine.
“I will tell you a funny story about L. Messi,” said Luis de la Fuente. “I met him when I was working with Sevilla’s youth team and we played the Spanish youth King’s Cup match against Barcelona. We went to Barcelona, and before the match, everyone praised a guy named L. Messi. So we assigned him a personal defender.
At the 70th minute, the score was still 0:0. But our player covering L. Messi got a yellow card, so I decided to substitute him. In the remaining 15 minutes, Messi scored four goals.”
How will the Spaniard act this time?
“Does this mean we will assign Messi personal supervision? No. Does it mean we will pay special attention to him? Yes. But just as much as they will have to pay special attention to our players,” emphasized the Spaniard.
Meanwhile, Spain has another football genius in their ranks – Lamine Yamal, who celebrated his 19th birthday a few days ago. L. de la Fuente was asked if Lamine Yamal could become Spain’s L. Messi?
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“Lamine has to be Lamine. L. Messi will never be repeated. He is an exceptional talent and, most importantly, an example to young footballers with his attitude, behavior, impressive World Cup, and what he shows at such an age.
It will be a great spectacle between two fantastic teams. The spectators will see a match full of talent, skill, and top-level football,” said L. de la Fuente.
Argentina in this championship is characterized by very physical play, which other coaches also emphasize. How will the Spaniards act?
“I am extremely impressed by the team that became the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, World Cup, and Finalissima winner. No one has ever achieved that in history.
Also, it is coached by my friend Lionel Scaloni. I feel only admiration, admiration, and once again admiration. Both teams will use all their football weapons,” emphasized L. de la Fuente.
The final is coming soon, and the “La Roja” strategist sent wishes to his team.
“The most important thing is to be in a position to fight for victory,” he said. “Let’s enjoy this match, play our football, and appreciate what we have achieved.
If someone offered me to play in the World Cup final every year, even if we lost it, I would immediately agree,” motivated L. de la Fuente.
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