Rodri: Argentina is an opponent that every team wants to beat; Messi must be closely marked.

Before the World Cup final, Spanish midfielder Rodri gave an interview to reporters in the mixed zone.

Did you predict that Argentina would play like this in the World Cup? Especially from the knockout stage onwards, the development of each of their matches.

Argentina has always been an extremely competitive team. As you said, they've come back from behind in many matches to win. They always seem to perform at their best under pressure. Therefore, they are an incredibly competitive team, and in recent years they have proven themselves to be the best team currently, as the defending champions. Thus, they are indeed an opponent that every team wants to beat.

Rodri, now everyone's comparing you to Busquets again. I saw you say a few years ago that Busquets was your role model, that you've always learned from him, whether it's tackling or those less conspicuous but crucial tasks. Now that you've come this far, and the final is coming up on Sunday, how do you feel?

Regarding Busquets, I've always said he's my role model. I worked with him on the national team for many years and learned a lot from him. As for myself, in my understanding of football, I've always strived to be a leader for this national team. I think the team's growth in this tournament has been very noticeable, but we still have room for improvement. As I just told your colleague, against the best team in the world right now, we must give our best performance.

Rodri, the European Championship match originally scheduled for a few months ago was cancelled, but now it's become a World Cup final. Looking at the result, do you think it would have been better if they hadn't played each other beforehand, or was it irrelevant? Also, do you agree with the outside perception that this is a clash between two teams with the world's best midfielders?

I think this is an opportunity to prove who the best team is. I still maintain that Argentina is a very complete team, and I won't just emphasize one aspect of them. Obviously, they have world-class players in midfield, and we certainly played very well too. However, their defense is very solid, their goalkeeper is excellent, and they have several world-class players up front. So I think the two teams have many similarities in their football philosophy; we both emphasize teamwork, and they are also a team that values teamwork. As I said, we must give our best on Sunday.

Rodri, you know quite a few Argentine players, and you've played with them and kept in touch. Have you been exchanging messages with anyone these past few days, discussing the final?

No, I haven't contacted anyone. The person I've been closest to in recent years is probably Julian (Alvarez), but we haven't exchanged any messages.

Rodri, how are you planning to limit Messi?

He's a player everyone is very familiar with. He excels in many aspects of the game, not just near the penalty area. Whether it's combining with teammates or dropping back into midfield to orchestrate play, he plays a crucial role. We must keep a close eye on him because his contributions to the team are far greater than many people realize. It's not just his impressive goal-scoring ability, but also his playmaking and positioning. Therefore, we must mark him very closely. However, Argentina's attacking line also boasts many other very strong players.