Mikel Merino revealed an unexpected connection with Lautaro Martínez ahead of the World Cup final, sharing the same dilemma: both may start on the bench. The Spanish midfielder and the Argentine forward will face each other this Sunday, July 19, in the final of the World Cup, where the battle for the ultimate title in world football will reach its peak.
Merino spoke to the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, admitting that no player prefers to start on the bench, but that this situation is a result of the quality of the teams they belong to. “For no player is starting on the bench the ideal plan. However, both Lautaro and I, as top players, find ourselves in this situation because we are part of incredibly strong teams,” said the Arsenal player. “We both have to appreciate the level of our teammates and the magnitude of the competition.”
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The Argentine forward shone in decisive moments, scoring the winning goal against England in the semi-finals after coming off the bench. Merino, in turn, also stood out by scoring two goals after coming on as a substitute, crucial in the victories against Portugal and Belgium in the earlier rounds. The Spanish defense has been relentless, having conceded only one goal in the tournament, scored by Charles De Ketelaere.
Merino emphasized the importance of contributing whenever he steps onto the pitch and maintaining a positive attitude even when not playing: “It’s about trying to help whenever you’re on the field, and if you’re not playing, that’s fine, even in training. Because if you win a title, it belongs to everyone, not just the 11 who start the matches, and that’s how we see it here.”
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Regarding the final, the Spanish midfielder anticipates an intense and physical match, typical of a decision of this magnitude. “It’s going to be an intense game, as a final should be, where two teams fight for the most important trophy in our sport. It’s normal to have contact and fierce duels, because when so much is at stake, that’s how you have to approach it.” Merino hopes the referee can manage the intensity so that the game flows: “We like the ball to move quickly, without pauses, and if we can achieve that, the opponent will have less time to commit fouls.”
Inevitably, Merino was asked about Lionel Messi, the Argentine star and one of football's greatest legends. “I can start by saying that he is one of the best in history. Furthermore, we must pay tribute to what he is doing in this World Cup at the age of 39. I don’t know if this will be his last international match or his last final, because, just like with Cristiano Ronaldo, when you face players like these, you think they are eternal, given that they continue to play at such a high level.”
The Spanish team has been matching a remarkable record, remaining unbeaten for 37 matches across all competitions, equalling Italy's mark from 2018 to 2021. A victory tomorrow would mean surpassing that impressive record, adding even more brilliance to a final that promises to be epic.
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