Ahead of the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, former Spanish midfielder Xavi and former Argentine defender Mascherano gave an interview discussing this epic showdown.

Talking about Messi:

Mascherano: "He is a very special person. When someone can't be compared to anyone else, it means he is different and completely different. Every time I see him play, it's a surprise because he can always do things that many other players can never do. So I think it will be very difficult to find a player like him in the future. I think it's almost impossible."

Xavi: "Yes, we were sitting together in the stands watching the game, and he said to me, '39 years old? He can still do this? It's incredible.' I don't think there are any words to describe him, really none. In my opinion, he is the greatest player in football history, and even now, he can still decide a game on the pitch. His desire to win, his attitude on the field... he is a fighter, he is absolutely the best."

Mascherano: "I think he is still proving himself to be the true master of this sport. He is the master of the game. Everyone else is watching him, studying him, seeing what he will do. But the ball is in his hands, and the game is under his control. Sometimes, whether a game can be won or lost depends on his decisions, and he certainly has the ability to do that."

Talking about Yamal

Xavi: "Of course, I'm very proud. Because when I first met them, Yamal was only 15 and Cubas was 16. And now, they've developed exceptionally well. I'm really, really proud of them. Back then, we realized they were ready, even though they were only 15 and 16. They have great personalities and a passion for football, and they would sometimes say to me, 'Coach, I'm ready.'"

To be honest, I was a little worried at the time. After all, they were only fifteen or sixteen years old, maybe they weren't ready, maybe they would be affected by the pressure. But that wasn't the case at all; their performance was amazing. So, I'm truly incredibly proud of them.

Discussing football philosophy and possession-based style

Xavi: "Yes, we should be proud of this football philosophy, this concept. Yamal, Messi, Cubas, and many players in the Spanish national team have played for or are currently playing for Barcelona. It's a football philosophy that has continued to this day. You see, we reached the final precisely because of this system. Even Argentina wants to play this kind of football."

Mascherano: "We don't have many players from Barcelona, you could even say we don't have any Barça players, but that's also the nature of our style of play."

Predictions for the finals

Mascherano: "In my opinion, the two teams that have advanced to the final are the best performing teams in this tournament. They also play very similarly; both love possession and feel uncomfortable without it. However, as Xavi said, perhaps whoever controls possession will control the tempo of the game. We'll see. For me, this is the best final we could expect."

Nobody knows what will happen. I think only God knows the final outcome, because it's ultimately just a game.

Reporter: "But what if God is on the field?"

Mascherano: "Then we have a better chance than them." (Both laugh)