Spain's manager Luis de la Fuente arrived in Qatar with a relaxed smile, joking that the only thing making him nervous is the helicopter ride back to the team hotel after the final.
He stressed that reaching the World Cup final is a privilege, noting that Spain is chasing its first championship since 2010 while Argentina aims for a back‑to‑back title.
A Calm Confidence
De la Fuente expects a technically rich contest, predicting that both sides will showcase high‑quality football. He said Spain will keep a close eye on Lionel Messi but will not employ man‑to‑man marking, instead relying on collective defensive organization.
The coach also drew a comparison between Messi and Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, highlighting the youngster's physical condition as perfect for the tournament.
He added that the Spanish squad has had to adapt to the competition's unusual rhythms and conditions, but feels prepared for the challenge.