Spain team; and Lionel Messi (AP Photos) Spaniard great Andres Iniesta has given a clear message to Luis de la Fuente’s side ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina: don’t waste energy trying to stop Lionel Messi completely because “it’s impossible.”The Barcelona legend, who scored the winning goal in Spain’s historic triumph in the 2010 World Cup final, believes the key to winning the trophy is not neutralizing Messi, but sticking to Spain’s own identity and making Argentina uncomfortable through possession, creativity and smart shots.Reigning champions Argentina go into title contention as the tournament’s highest-scoring team and Messi will deliver another masterclass in what is expected to be the final World Cup appearance of his illustrious career. The 39-year-old footballer already has eight goals and four assists, and the Spanish national team remains undefeated and conceded only once in seven matches.
“It’s impossible to turn it off”
Speaking to El Partidazo de COPE, Iniesta admitted that silencing Messi completely is an unrealistic goal for any team.“It is impossible to switch it off completely,” Iniesta said, as quoted by Goal.com. “It will be more about how much Spain can hurt Argentina with their play, creating chances and being careful when they come.”Having spent more than a decade alongside Messi at Barcelona, Iniesta knows better than anyone the challenge the Argentine captain poses.“There are no words, or I just don’t know how to describe it. The determination, the conviction and everything he does every game is something you just have to take your hat off to,” he said.Iniesta believes that rather than strategizing solely around containing Messi, Spain should trust the style of football that took them to the final.
Support your game, don’t be afraid of Messi
The former Spain captain has urged La Roja to approach football’s biggest event with confidence rather than fear, insisting their performances at the tournament have earned them the right to believe.“No, no, never be afraid. You should never play with fear,” Iniesta said.“I think it comes down to the confidence the players give you and their momentum throughout the World Cup has been upward. They go into the final with all the confidence in the world,” he added.He also praised Spain’s clarity and cohesion, stressing that every player understands their role, regardless of who starts.“Everyone knows exactly what they need to do. No matter who is playing, everyone knows their role and exudes the utmost confidence. It doesn’t matter who is on the field or what position they play; they give you the feeling that everything is under control,” he said.Spain built their path to the final through defensive discipline and team football, with stars such as Lamin Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino leading the attack. After beating France 2-0 in the semi-finals, they are now one win away from a second World Cup title.For Iniesta, however, individual heroics matter little compared to the ultimate prize. When asked if he hoped a particular player would score the winning goal against Argentina, his answer was clear.“It’s not even a dilemma because my answer is: I don’t care who scores. The important thing, as then, is that we leave as champions. Who scores is secondary as long as the goal wins,” he concluded.