Spain Receive Lamine Yamal Boost As Luis de la Fuente Reveals Plan For Messi Before World Cup Final vs Argentina

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has urged his players to embrace the biggest match of their careers rather than fear it, insisting reaching a FIFA World Cup final is already a privilege as his side prepares to face defending champions Argentina on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the showpiece at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, De la Fuente struck a composed but confident tone, praising Lionel Scaloni's Argentina while backing Spain to remain true to the identity that has carried them to their second-ever World Cup final.

"Just being here is already a luxury, a privilege," De la Fuente said in his pre-match press conference. "I'm not really into clichés. What matters is being in a position to win. Reaching a World Cup final is something I'd sign up for every time. We have to enjoy this moment, believe in ourselves and fight to win it."

Spain arrive after a commanding run through the tournament, but the coach made it clear there would be no underestimating an Argentina side he described as one of the world's finest.

"They are a really great team with an incredible journey over the last eight or ten years," he said. "Tomorrow should be a wonderful spectacle. I see two very strong teams with a lot in common. Both will try to take the match in the direction that suits them best, but hopefully talent and good football will prevail."

One of Spain's biggest concerns this week has surrounded teenage sensation Lamine Yamal after he suffered a painful thigh knock in the semi-final against France.

De la Fuente eased those fears by confirming the Barcelona winger is fit and available.

"He took a hard hit in a very painful area," the Spain boss explained. "Yesterday we preferred he rest, but today he trained normally with the rest of the squad. He's fine and in perfect physical condition."

The coach also dismissed suggestions that Yamal should be burdened with comparisons to Lionel Messi.

"Lamine has to be Lamine," he said. "Messi is a once-in-a-lifetime player and an example for everyone because of his attitude and behaviour. The best thing we can do is help Lamine continue being himself because he has exceptional potential."

When asked how Spain intend to stop Messi, De la Fuente recalled an early coaching experience that still makes him smile.

"I heard great things about this boy called Messi years ago," he said. "We marked him man-to-man for 70 minutes, and it was 0-0. Then the player marking him came off with a yellow card, and Messi scored four goals in 15 minutes."

While stopping short of revealing Spain's tactical plans, he acknowledged the challenge.

"Of course we'll pay special attention to Messi, just as Argentina will have to watch our players. But there are many footballers on both teams who can decide a game like this."

De la Fuente also rejected suggestions that Argentina's success has come through gamesmanship rather than football.

"I have a lot of admiration and respect for Argentina," he said. "They are South American champions and world champions, and now they're in another World Cup final. They're coached by a friend of mine. They're great players, really great players. Football will decide this final."

He also highlighted the similarities between himself and Scaloni.

"I think we share many of the same values and principles. Great teams need those attitudes. The match will be decided by the small details."

Preparing for the biggest match of his managerial career, De la Fuente admitted he sought guidance from Spain's only World Cup-winning coach, Vicente del Bosque.

"I've already spoken with Vicente," he revealed. "He's someone I care about a lot and a football wise man. He's experienced situations like this and his advice gives you peace of mind."

The Spain coach even managed to lighten the mood when asked whether he was feeling nervous.

"I'm only nervous because we're travelling back by helicopter," he joked. "Apart from that, I'm completely calm."

With Spain chasing a second World Cup title and Argentina looking to defend their crown, De la Fuente believes the occasion should be embraced rather than feared.

"When it's time to suffer, we'll suffer. When it's time to attack, we'll attack," he said. "It will be a very close match, but we're here because we believe in ourselves. Now we have to enjoy it and fight to win the World Cup."