As the FIFA World Cup final approaches on Sunday, July 19, football legends Xavi and Javier Mascherano have offered their insights on the highly anticipated clash between Spain and Argentina. Both figures highlighted the importance of key players like Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal in determining the outcome of the championship match.
Javier Mascherano expressed confidence in Argentina's trajectory throughout the tournament. Speaking to YouTuber CB, he noted that the team has displayed increasing momentum and a profound hunger for the title. "Obviously Argentina because of the hunger of the team," Mascherano said. "The spirit of the team and also the quality. They were, I think they were increasing during the tournament and in the last game we can watch what they can do. Yeah, and they have the tools to play a really good final and to leave the trophy."
Xavi, while acknowledging Argentina as a top-tier side, maintained that Spain holds the advantage due to their tactical approach and squad depth. He emphasized the quality of Spain's midfield and defensive units, suggesting that controlling the tempo and maintaining possession will be vital. "We have good defenders, a good goalkeeper, in my opinion the best midfielders in the world right now controlling the game, and I think we will have the tempo, you know the possession, and this is Spain," Xavi stated.
The former Barcelona star also praised the impact of young talent Lamine Yamal, noting his ability to be a decisive force for the Spanish side. Regarding the challenge posed by Argentina, Xavi specifically addressed the threat of the 39-year-old Inter Miami captain, Lionel Messi. He advised that Spain must remain tactically disciplined to keep Messi away from the goal, despite acknowledging the difficulty of containing such a high-caliber player. "Leo is super, you know, it's super dangerous. Yeah, close to the box," Xavi remarked. "That's why I think in Spain tactically they need to play, you know, in the opposite field all the time, all the time to keep Messi [away from goal]." Lionel Messi enters the final having recorded eight goals and four assists during the tournament.
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