Spanish soccer legend Xavi has urged Luis de la Fuente’s men to ‘be a team’ and ‘control the emotions’ when they face Argentina in the World Cup final.
The European champions are just one win away from lifting the World Cup for the first time since 2010, with a dominant semifinal victory over France sealing their place in Sunday’s showpiece at MetLife Stadium.
But standing in their way is none other than Lionel Messi and Argentina, who are bidding to become the first team to retain the famous trophy since their arch-rivals Brazil in 1962 after coming from behind in dramatic fashion to snatch a 2-1 win over England on Wednesday night.
It promises to be an enthralling matchup in New Jersey, where Spain will enter the game as slight favorites after conceding just one goal in seven matches at this summer’s tournament.
And speaking to the Daily Mail at a FIFA Legends event in New York City on Friday, Xavi – who was an integral member of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad – outlined what his country must do to get the better of Messi and the world champions.
Spanish soccer legend Xavi has outlined what they need to do to win the World Cup on Sunday
Xavi, who was a key member of the last Spain side to win it in 2010, urged them to ‘be a team’
‘I think they [need to] do the same that they are doing in all the tournament, being a team,’ the former Barcelona midfielder explained. ‘I think many players are in the top level: [Pau] Cubarsi, Dani Olmo, Lamine [Yamal], Rodri, Unai Simon.
‘We have good full-backs like Pedro Porro, [Marc] Cucurella… we are a top team. We have everything.’
He then added about Spain’s approach on Sunday: ‘Just to be calm. Control the tempo, control the emotions, it’s a final… and be a team. They are doing so well and we are so proud in Spain.’
Under De la Fuente, La Roja have emerged as a major force in world soccer once again, claiming their first title for 12 years at the 2024 European Championship and dispatching of pre-tournament favorites France on their way to another final this summer.
Even up against a player considered the greatest of all time in Messi, Xavi’s former Barcelona teammate, they will be supremely confident of adding another star to their badge.
After all, Spain have their own breathtaking talent in teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who many believe is the heir to Messi’s legendary throne.
Lionel Messi and Argentina are standing in Spain’s way of a first World Cup in 16 years
But La Roja have a breathtaking talent of their own in teenage sensation Lamine Yamal
Xavi feels Spain have ‘everything’ to win the final after becoming European champions in 2024
Xavi believes they have ‘everything’ required to win Sunday’s final, despite conceding that Argentina already know what it takes to win a World Cup.
‘When they won the [European Championship] two years ago, they realized that they can compete against everybody,’ he said.
‘So now they are ready. They have the experience, they know the way to compete well in a big tournament, so they have everything to win this final.
‘But in front we have Argentina, and they already know how to win these kind of tournaments.’
