De la Fuente Pledges to Focus on Football, Not Messi: "We Won't Implement a Doomed Strategy to Stop the Argentine Star"

Luis de la Fuente, Spain's manager, showed his immense respect for Argentina ahead of the highly anticipated World Cup final. He assured that his team was eager to fight for the championship title and savor the historic moment against a formidable opponent with an impressive recent record.

De la Fuente made these statements during the conference organized at the Javits Center in Manhattan, the designated venue for the FIFA World Cup final. When asked about the need to win, he replied: "Disputing a World Cup final is already a privilege; I would not settle for it each year, even at the price of defeat. We want to battle to win the title, and we will enjoy this moment because Argentina is a force to be reckoned with who is realizing an outstanding and breathtaking run."

When questioned about the powerful and offensive style of play employed by the Argentinian team, the Spanish coach declared: "This will be a genuine spectacle. We are facing two exceptional teams that present numerous similarities. Each team will attempt to guide the game towards the zone that is most favorable to them, but these two teams will offer a match where talent will prevail. The referees will contribute to this football spectacle, and we will also support them."

Regarding his potential nervousness ahead of the final, de la Fuente expressed: "I am only anxious because we are returning to our hotel in a helicopter; that is what makes me anxious. For the rest, I am perfectly calm, and we simply want to enjoy the moment."

He was questioned about the situation of Lamine Yamal and the comparisons made with the Argentinian star Lionel Messi, adding: "Lamine is in good form, the entire group has worked well, and we hope to avoid any bad surprises tomorrow. Lamine is Lamine, and Messi is a unique player, a true model by his attitude and behavior, especially at his young age and in this extraordinary World Cup."

De la Fuente was questioned about the key to his success, responding: "The recipe is work, more work, and always work. Not everything works out as planned. When it doesn't, we must continue working and surround ourselves with exceptional players and a competent technical staff."

He was questioned about the possibility of having an extra time to rest before the final, replying: "Before starting this adventure, I explained to the players the peculiarities of the World Cup, and that's the reality today. We haven't received any complaints from the players. What seems strange to us today could become normal in a few years; we must adapt to reality, one point is all."

Regarding the reciprocal anxiety and psychological pressure before the match, de la Fuente declared: "This is a shared feeling: Scaloni and I are in agreement on many points, and we look very similar in this regard. Facing this balance of forces, we must try to win by relying on the small details and imposing our style of play. When the time comes to suffer on the field, we will suffer together."

He was questioned about a potential individual marking of Lionel Messi, confiding: "I had Messi when I coached the young team at Seville. We initially attempted to take him individually, but the player assigned to mark him received a yellow card; I immediately replaced him, and we then allowed four goals. Tomorrow, we won't opt for individual marking, but we will remain extremely cautious and vigilant."

To illustrate this collective spirit, he cited the philosopher Marc Aurele: "What matters is the beehive, not the bee alone, because the essential thing is always the entire team together. This is a lesson that we must never forget."

He was questioned about a potential dive in play by Argentina, responding: "I respect all opinions, but it's not the case... I have a lot of admiration for the Argentine team, which has just written a page of history and is led by a close friend of mine. Each team will use the football weapons at their disposal, but ultimately, it's a football match."

To conclude, he confirmed Yamal's full availability: "He is at 100%. He took a hit during the previous match, but he gritted his teeth and finished the game without faltering. Yesterday, we allowed him to rest, and today he trained normally with the group. He is in perfect condition, with no cause for concern about him."