Bench Dilemma for Key Attackers
Spain and Argentina will contest the World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19, with Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino admitting that both he and Argentina forward Lautaro Martínez could start among the substitutes despite their decisive contributions from the bench so far.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Merino acknowledged the difficulty of squad rotation at such a crucial juncture. “For no player is starting on the bench the ideal game plan,” he said. “However, both Lautaro and I, as top players, find ourselves in this situation because we are part of incredibly strong national teams. And both he and I must value all of this: the level of our teammates and the magnitude of the competition.”
The pair have proven match-winners as replacements. Martínez struck the winning goal against England in the semi-final earlier this week, while Merino scored twice off the bench to secure victories over Portugal in the Round of 16 and Belgium in the quarter-finals.
Spain Chase Historic 38th Unbeaten Match
La Roja have matched Italy’s longstanding record of 37 matches without defeat across all competitions, a sequence the Azzurri established between 2018 and 2021. Victory against the reigning champions on Sunday would see Spain claim the benchmark outright.
Their pursuit of history is built on formidable defensive resilience. Spain have conceded only one goal throughout the tournament, with Atalanta and Belgium attacker Charles De Ketelaere responsible for the solitary strike against them.
Merino Salutes “Eternal” Messi
Ahead of facing Argentina, Merino paid tribute to captain Lionel Messi, describing the 39-year-old as “one of the best in history.” He marvelled at Messi’s sustained excellence at this World Cup, comparing his longevity to that of Cristiano Ronaldo. “You face these players and you think they are eternal, given they continue to play at such a high level,” Merino observed. “I don’t know if it will be his last international match or his last final, because, as it has already happened with Cristiano Ronaldo, you think they are eternal.”
He added that facing the reigning champions provides “an added incentive. Sensational.”
Final Expectations
Merino anticipates a physically intense encounter. “It will be an intense match, as a final should be, where two teams are playing for the most important trophy in our sport,” he said. “It’s normal for there to be contact, for there to be fierce duels, because when so much is at stake, that’s how you have to approach it. It will be up to the referee to control the intensity and frequency of the challenges.”
Spain hope to limit Argentina’s opportunities for disruption through their own approach. “We like the ball to move quickly, and without pauses, and if we manage that, the opponent will have less time to foul,” Merino explained.
Regardless of who starts, the midfielder stressed collective achievement over individual recognition. “If you win a title, it belongs to everyone, not just the 11 who start the matches,” he stated. “That’s how we see it here. It’s about trying to help out every time you step onto the pitch, and if you don’t play, it’s fine even in training.”