Spain's Merino Prepares for Messi Challenge in Final

Mikel Merino, a player for the Spain National Team, stated that the team must rise to the challenge posed by Argentina's captain, Lionel Messi, in the upcoming World Cup final. The final is set to take place on Sunday in East Rutherford, where Spain will face Argentina, who recently defeated England 2-1 in the semi-finals.

Messi, who is currently the tournament's joint top scorer with eight goals, has been instrumental in Argentina's success, including a dramatic comeback against Egypt in the last 16. Merino, who has played a crucial role for Spain, coming off the substitute bench to score a late winner against Portugal in the last 16 and contributing to their quarter-final victory over Belgium, expressed confidence in his abilities and emphasized that the team's success is more important than individual accolades.

He also mentioned the need for referees to control the intensity of the match. Merino highlighted the significance of this final, recalling Spain's first World Cup title in 2010.