Advertisement
Rodri urges Spain to be fearless ahead of World Cup final against Argentina
18th July, 2026 09:07 AM
Spain skipper Rodri has called on his teammates to embrace Sunday’s, July 19, 2026 FIFA World Cup final against reigning champions Argentina with confidence, insisting they must not let fear stand in the way of their dream of lifting the trophy.
The showdown at New York New Jersey Stadium will see the European champions challenge an Argentina side chasing a second consecutive World Cup title, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962.
Rodri on the final
“Our main goal from the start was to be here,” Rodri said before the final. “Our goal was to win the trophy, and we were convinced we could do it. We’ve shown we’re able to beat great opponents, and now we face the toughest one yet. I told my teammates that our eagerness to win needs to be greater than our fear of losing.”
The Spanish midfielder has already enjoyed remarkable success, collecting the UEFA Champions League and four Premier League crowns with Manchester City, in addition to helping Spain win the UEFA Euro 2024 title.
Rodri also claimed the 2024 Ballon d’Or and was voted the best player at Euro 2024. However, the World Cup remains the one major honor missing from his impressive résumé, and he is determined to complete the collection.
“I think the biggest thing you can achieve is becoming world champion,” the 30-year-old said. “To achieve this you have to have the right mindset, and that’s the missing challenge for us. I’m happy with my career, but there’s also that extra ambition that makes you want to keep winning.”
Spain has impressed defensively throughout the tournament, allowing only one goal and securing its place in the final with a 2-0 triumph over France.
Argentina, meanwhile, has won all seven of its World Cup matches and leads the tournament in scoring with 19 goals. Veteran captain Lionel Messi has played a decisive role, contributing eight goals and four assists in his quest for another major international title.
Messi’s threat
Despite describing Messi as the greatest player of all time, Rodri stressed that Spain must prepare for the entire Argentine squad rather than focusing solely on the legendary forward.
“It goes beyond words what Messi means as a player, and what he means for Argentina,” Rodri said. “For me, he’s the greatest ever. But Argentina is far more than Messi. They’ve proven they’re a very good team with top players. I think we’ve both shown we’re the two best teams. We have to be mindful of Leo, but Argentina has many other players too.”
Rodri also reflected on his responsibilities as Spain’s captain, explaining that he has looked to former national team leaders for guidance as he adapts to the role.
“I’m now captain, and I’m learning from past captains what it means,” he said. “It’s complex – you have to work at it, because your teammates look to you as a role model in tougher moments. That’s a step I’ve had to take. Other than that, we haven’t changed much from the team that won the Euros.”
