Tackling Messi ‘huge challenge’ for Spain in World Cup final: Merino
Tackling Messi ‘huge challenge’ for Spain in World Cup final: Merino Spanish midfielder says he has ‘huge confidence’ in his abilities after his...
Key points
- Tackling Messi ‘huge challenge’ for Spain in World Cup final: Merino Spanish midfielder says he has ‘huge confidence’ in his abilities after his impressive performances as a substitute.
- Spanish super-sub Mikel Merino admitted that neutralising the threat of Lionel Messi will be a “huge challenge” as La Roja prepare for their World Cup final showdown against Argentina.
- “It’s a huge challenge, an incredible motivation for me and the whole team,” Merino said of facing Messi in his 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, and I’m very happy to be experiencing this moment,” Merino told reporters at Spain’s training base in East Hanover, New Jersey.
What happened
Tackling Messi ‘huge challenge’ for Spain in World Cup final: Merino Spanish midfielder says he has ‘huge confidence’ in his abilities after his impressive performances as a substitute. Spanish super-sub Mikel Merino admitted that neutralising the threat of Lionel Messi will be a “huge challenge” as La Roja prepare for their World Cup final showdown against Argentina. “It’s a huge challenge, an incredible motivation for me and the whole team,” Merino said of facing Messi in his 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, and I’m very happy to be experiencing this moment,” Merino told reporters at Spain’s training base in East Hanover, New Jersey. “I have incredible confidence in myself and my abilities, and every time I step onto the pitch, I believe I can make an impact for the team,” Merino stated. Merino, meanwhile, enthused about the “impressive” talent of 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, who will face Messi for the first time in a clash representing the past and the future of FC Barcelona.