Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has discussed Lionel Messi, his own decisive role and Spain’s approach to the 2026 World Cup final.
Mikel Merino has described facing Lionel Messi in the World Cup final as a “huge challenge” as the Arsenal midfielder prepares for the biggest match of his international career.
Spain face defending champions Argentina in East Rutherford, with Merino hoping to cap a tournament where he has already made his mark twice from the bench.
Messi has remained central to Argentina’s title defence at the age of 39. He has scored eight goals at the tournament and provided both assists in their 2-1 semi-final victory over England.
Messi’s knack for deciding games in a flash is the problem Spain must solve. For Merino, though, the chance to face him is more motivation than worry.
“It’s a huge challenge, an incredible motivation for me and the whole team,” Merino said.
“Being able to play against a side like Argentina, which has already won this trophy, makes the match even more significant, and I’m very happy to be experiencing this moment.”
Merino heads into the final having become one of Spain’s most influential players during the knockout rounds, despite not holding a regular place in the starting line-up.
The 30-year-old came off the bench to score late winners against both Portugal and Belgium, turning games when Spain needed him most.
Those moments have put him at the heart of Spain’s run to a first World Cup final since 2010.
His timing has been crucial. Coming on against tired legs, Merino has battled for loose balls, made late runs, and given Luis de la Fuente another option in the box.
Both goals came with Spain under pressure and the clock ticking down. But Merino says his confidence is built on more than just hoping for another chance.
“I have incredible confidence in myself and my abilities, and every time I step onto the pitch, I believe I can make an impact for the team,” he said.
“But honestly, it doesn’t matter who the hero is; the important thing is that the team wins in the end.
“When you win a title, it belongs to everyone, not just the starting eleven.”
That mindset sums up Merino’s role at this World Cup. He has not needed to dominate for 90 minutes to shape Spain’s campaign, instead stepping up when De la Fuente has needed something different.
Argentina will be a different test to Portugal and Belgium. The defending champions have leaned on their experience, coming from two goals down to beat Egypt in the last 16.
Spain will try to control the ball and move it quickly, hoping to keep Argentina from breaking up their rhythm. Merino expects a fierce final, where physical battles could matter as much as technical skill.
Whether or not he starts, Merino’s influence on Spain’s World Cup run is already clear.
Twice in the knockout rounds, Merino has been called on to change the game, and twice he has delivered the winner. If the final is still in the balance late on, Spain know they have a player who has already shown he can deliver when it matters most.