Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says his side will give Argentina captain Lionel Messi “special attention” in Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final but ruled out deploying a man-marking strategy against the veteran forward.
Messi has inspired Argentina’s run to the final with a series of standout performances and will lead the defending champions against Spain in what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance.
De la Fuente rejects man-marking plan
Speaking ahead of the final, De la Fuente recalled an experience from his time coaching Sevilla’s youth team when attempts to man-mark a young Messi proved unsuccessful.
“I first encountered him when I was coaching the Sevilla youth team,” De la Fuente said.
“We went to Barcelona, and I had heard great things about a kid named Messi.
“So we assigned a player to mark him man-to-man, but in the 70th minute, I substituted the marker because he was on a yellow card. The score was 0-0, and in the span of 15 minutes, Messi scored four goals against us.”
The Spain coach said his team would instead focus on limiting Messi collectively.
“So we won’t use man-to-man marking this time. We have to stay alert and pay special attention, certainly.”
Spain expect tactical battle
De la Fuente described Messi as “one of a kind” and praised the 39-year-old’s performances during the tournament.
“Messi is one of a kind,” he said. “An example for young athletes in terms of his attitude and behaviour, especially given the spectacular World Cup he is playing at his age.”
The Spain manager also dismissed suggestions that Argentina could rely on overly physical tactics in the final, expressing admiration for the world champions and their coach, Lionel Scaloni.
“They’ve won the World Cup, two Copa Americas, the Finalissima… and they are led by a close friend of mine. I have nothing but admiration and more admiration for them.”
“I believe that both Spain and Argentina will have a game plan where talent and good football will rule over everything else.”
De la Fuente also said Spain are prepared for the extended half-time interval planned for the World Cup final and believes such changes could become a regular feature of football in the future.
