"We can even do it better" Rodri Insists Spain Are Ready To Challenge Argentina In World Cup Final

Spain captain Rodri believes his side's journey to the FIFA World Cup final is the reward for years of steady progress, insisting La Roja must play with belief rather than fear when they face defending champions Argentina on Sunday.

Spain have reached just their second World Cup final in history, extending a remarkable rise that began with UEFA Nations League success in 2023 and continued with the European Championship a year later. Now, after defeating France 2-0 in the semi-finals, Luis de la Fuente's side stand one victory away from global glory.

"We've been gradually growing," Rodri said on Friday. "We have to keep doing the same things we're doing because it has been a process for all five years."

The Manchester City midfielder believes the current squad arrived in the United States convinced they could become world champions.

"Our goal when we got to this World Cup was to win the trophy, and we were convinced that we could achieve this," he said. "We've shown that this national team has been able to defeat great opponents."

Spain's run to the final has been built on both resilience and defensive excellence.

After an unexpected opening draw against Cape Verde, they have responded emphatically, outscoring opponents 13-1 while conceding just once in seven matches. They edged Portugal thanks to Mikel Merino's late winner in the Round of 16, eliminated Belgium in the quarter-finals and then shut down France in an impressive semi-final display, with goalkeeper Unai Simón producing a string of vital saves throughout the tournament.

Rodri rejected suggestions that Spain rely on only one style of football, arguing their versatility has been one of their biggest strengths.

"I don't think you've seen the same Spain across all the matches," he explained. "I think Sunday's match will be quite different, as it will be a more physical one and we must be prepared."

He added: "If we are known for something in this national team, it is that we know how to play different games based on the moment.

"We can adapt to having to defend, counter-attacking, or attacking. We are a very complete team, and that is why we are here."

Although Rodri described Spain's semi-final performance against France as one of the team's finest displays, he believes Argentina will demand even more.

"We can even do it better," the Ballon d'Or winner said. "I think against France, we did one of the best games we have ever done as a team. But against Argentina, I think we have to rise a level because they are the champions. And I'm really confident that we can do it."

Much of Spain's attention in the build-up has centred on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who was seen training with his left thigh heavily strapped after suffering a knock against France.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente dismissed concerns over the Barcelona star's fitness.

"Today he participated in the training with the other teammates, and he is fine," De la Fuente said. "He is fine. He is in optimal condition."

The final will pit Yamal against Lionel Messi, whose famous charity photograph with the Spaniard as a baby has gone viral recently. While many have framed Sunday's contest as a symbolic passing of the torch, De la Fuente wants his young forward to ignore such comparisons.

"Lamine has to be Lamine," the Spain coach said. "Messi is a one-of-a-time-in-history player, and he's an example, a role model for youth and younger players because of his attitude and behaviour."

He added: "I insist Lamine has to be Lamine Yamal himself. The best way we can support him is by helping him be the person we know today because he has a great potential and a great future."

Despite the magnitude of Sunday's occasion, De la Fuente insisted he is embracing the challenge rather than feeling the pressure.

The only thing making him anxious, he joked, is the journey back from New York.

"I am nervous because we are going back by helicopter," he said with a smile. "I'm serious. We got here by helicopter, and we have to take the helicopter to go back and that makes me really anxious."

"About everything else, I'm calm. I'm lucky enough to be in this situation, and we just want to enjoy this amazing moment."

For Spain, that moment represents far more than another final. It is the chance to complete a journey that has taken years and dethrone the reigning world champions on football's biggest stage.