‘It’s impossible to stop Messi’: Andres Iniesta reveals what Spain must do against Argentina in World Cup final Football News
Spain great Andres Iniesta has sent a clear message to Luis de la Fuente’s side ahead of Sunday’s clash fifa world cup Final against Argentina: Don’t waste energy trying to stop it Lionel Messi Simply because “it’s impossible.”The Barcelona legend, who scored the winning goal in Spain’s historic 2010 World Cup final, believes the key to lifting the trophy lies not in neutralizing Messi but in sticking to Spain’s own identity and making Argentina uncomfortable through possession, creativity and clinical finishing.Defending champions Argentina go into the title race as the highest-scoring team in the tournament, and Messi will be looking to put in another masterclass at the World Cup for the last time in his illustrious career. The 39-year-old has scored eight goals and provided four assists as Spain remain unbeaten and have conceded just one goal in seven games.
“It’s impossible to shut him down”
Iniesta admitted in an interview with El Partidazo de COPE that completely suppressing Messi is an unrealistic goal for any team.“It’s impossible to stop him completely,” Iniesta was quoted as saying by Goal.com. “It’s more that Spain can hurt Argentina by playing their own game, creating chances and staying calm when playing.”Iniesta spent more than a decade alongside Messi at Barcelona and understands better than most the challenges facing the Argentina captain.“There are no words, or I just don’t know how to describe it. His determination, belief and everything he does in every game deserves your hat,” he said.Iniesta believes Spain must trust the style of football that took them to the final, rather than basing their strategy solely around containing Messi.
Support your game and don’t be afraid of Messi
The former Spain captain urged Spain to approach football’s biggest moment with confidence rather than fear, insisting their performances throughout the tournament have earned them the right to believe.“No, no, never be afraid. You can never play with fear,” Iniesta said.“I think it comes down to the confidence the players give you and their momentum has been on the rise throughout the World Cup. They go into the final with all the confidence in the world,” he added.He also praised the clarity and cohesion within the Spanish squad, stressing that every player understands their role no matter who starts.“Everyone knows exactly what they need to do. No matter who comes on, everyone knows their role and they all exude tremendous confidence. No matter who is on the field, no matter what position they play, they give you a feeling that everything is under control,” he said.Spain reached the final on the back of defensive discipline and collective football, with stars such as Lamine Yamar, Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino leading the attack. After defeating France 2-0 in the semi-finals, they are just one win away from their second World Cup title.For Iniesta, however, individual heroics are less important than the ultimate prize. When asked if there was a particular player he expected to 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 is, as it was then, that we leave as champions. Who scores is secondary, as long as the goal wins,” he concluded.
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