Luis de la Fuente has revealed that Spain will not man-mark Lionel Messi in the World Cup final, despite the Argentina captain's stunning form with eight goals and four assists in the tournament. The Spain coach shared a personal anecdote about facing Messi as a 16-year-old, when a man-marking strategy backfired spectacularly.
The Lesson from 2004: Why Man-Marking Messi Failed
De la Fuente recalled a Copa del Rey under-19 match in May 2004, when he coached Sevilla against Barcelona. Messi, then just 16, was marked tightly for 70 minutes until the marker received a yellow card and was substituted. Within 15 minutes, Messi scored four goals. The lesson was clear: man-marking Messi can be a dangerous gamble.
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Spain's Strategy for the Final
Despite that experience, De la Fuente insists Spain will not assign a dedicated man-marker to Messi. Instead, the team will use collective defensive awareness to limit his influence. “We will pay close attention to him, but in exactly the same way that they are going to have to pay attention to our players,” he said.
Comparing Messi and Lamine Yamal
When asked if teenage star Lamine Yamal is Spain's answer to Messi, De la Fuente was emphatic: “Lamine has to be Lamine. Messi can never be repeated. He is an extraordinary talent and above all an example for young players.”
| Player | Goals in World Cup | Assists | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 8 | 4 | 37 |
| Lamine Yamal | 3 | 2 | 17 |
Key Takeaways from De la Fuente's Press Conference
- Spain will not use a man-marker on Messi, learning from past failures.
- De la Fuente emphasizes team defense over individual assignments.
- He rejects claims that Argentina uses dark arts, praising their sportsmanship.
- The final is described as a show of talent and brilliance between two super teams.
FAQ
Why won't Spain man-mark Messi in the World Cup final?
Coach Luis de la Fuente believes man-marking Messi is risky based on his 2004 experience, where a man-marker was removed and Messi scored four goals in 15 minutes. Spain will instead use collective defensive tactics.
How many goals has Messi scored in the World Cup?
Lionel Messi has scored eight goals and provided four assists in the current World Cup tournament.
Is Lamine Yamal the next Messi?
De la Fuente said Lamine Yamal must be himself and that Messi can never be repeated, highlighting Yamal's own unique talent and attitude.
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