Spain defender Aymeric Laporte described their World Cup final opponents, Argentina, as a team that "likes to leave a mark on their opponents." The two nations are set to clash in the final on Sunday.
Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, expressed anticipation for the final, characterizing it as a "great show" between two strong national teams with similar attitudes and talent. "I think it is going to be an amazing final, each team will try and take the game to their own side," de la Fuente stated. He added, "I believe both Spain and Argentina will have a gameplan where talent and good football will rule over everything else." He also noted the importance of the referee's role in ensuring the match meets the expected standard for a World Cup final.
Argentina, seeking their fourth world title, has the opportunity to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win consecutive men's World Cups.
Lionel Scaloni, Argentina's coach, did not elaborate on his team's tactics during his news conference. However, he did discuss his personal connection with Spanish coach De la Fuente, which dates back to 2017 when Scaloni was undertaking his professional coaching license and De la Fuente was an instructor. "He knows me from a personal point of view," Scaloni remarked. "We are friends, but that doesn't mean he knows what I am thinking about when it comes to football." He acknowledged similarities in their teams' playing styles, particularly in possession-based play. "We do have similar patterns of play when it comes to trying to have possession of the ball," Scaloni said, adding, "I hope the game on Sunday will be a great show."
De la Fuente confirmed that teenage winger Lamine Yamal is fit for the final after missing some training sessions.