‘You Can Never Fully Stop Messi’: Iniesta Reveals Spain’s Best Way to Stop Argentina Captain
Spain legend Andrés Iniesta has warned his former national team that completely shutting down Lionel Messi will be impossible when Spain face Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday.
The two continental champions will meet in the first-ever men’s World Cup final between teams from the same continent, with both nations aiming to lift the trophy once again.
Messi, who will captain Argentina, has scored eight goals and provided four assists at the tournament and currently leads the Golden Boot race alongside France forward Kylian Mbappé.
Asked how Spain can stop the 39-year-old superstar, Iniesta admitted that completely neutralising Messi is virtually impossible and urged Spain to focus on imposing their own style of play.
‘Shutting him down completely is impossible. It will be more about how much Spain can hurt Argentina with their own game, creating chances, and being clinical when they come along,’ Iniesta said.
The former Barcelona midfielder also praised Messi’s extraordinary mentality and consistency, saying his determination and performances continue to deserve admiration.
‘There are no words, or I just don’t know how to describe it. The determination, conviction, and everything he does in every single game is something you just have to take your hat off to,’ he added.
Iniesta was also asked whether he would be satisfied if Spain secured only a narrow victory in the final. The World Cup winner made it clear that the identity of the goalscorer would be irrelevant as long as Spain emerged as champions.
‘It’s not even a dilemma, because my answer is that I don’t care who scores it. The important thing, just like back then, is that we walk away as champions. Who scores is secondary, as long as it’s the goal that wins it,’ he said.
Messi, who has refused to completely rule out playing at the 2030 World Cup at the age of 43, will be the centre of attention in Sunday’s final as he aims to win a second World Cup title with Argentina.
