The coach of the Spanish team, Luis de la Fuente, shared an anecdote that reflects the size of Lionel Messi. It was in the lower categories, when he led Sevilla in the Honor Division and they faced Barcelona.
“I’m going to tell you a very funny thing. Speaking of Messi. I was training at Sevilla FC, in the Honor Division and we played a Copa del Rey match against Barcelona… They had spoken very well to me about a boy called Messi. At first we marked him individually,” he said.
The initial approach worked until the 70th minute, with a goalless draw. But a card on the scoreboard forced them to change the strategy. Then came the lesson.
“In 15 minutes he scored 4 goals for us. What does this mean? That we are going to put individual marking on him? No. That we are going to be very attentive to him? Yes,” he explained.
De la Fuente also referred to Lamine Yamal, whom many compare to Messi. The strategist called for caution.
“Lamine has to be Lamine; Messi is an unrepeatable player, he is a huge talent and an example for younger athletes,” he stated.
Regarding the 19-year-old, he added: “The best way we can help him is by supporting him, helping him continue to be who we have known because he has exceptional future potential.”
World Cup Final: Spain vs Argentina
For Sunday, the coach foresees a high-level match. “There are two super teams, two super teams with many similarities. It’s going to be a great show,” he declared at a conference.
De la Fuente avoided entering into controversies about the Argentine style, which some call provocative. “Each one will try to take the game where it interests us. The referees are there to help the show,” he concluded.
The confrontation will be between two powers with similar talent and styles. The story already has a chapter that De la Fuente does not forget.
