Ahead of the 2026 World Cup final, Spanish midfielder Olmo gave an interview to Cadena SER. The following is the second half of the interview.
You've scored 12 goals for the Spanish national team and made approximately 56 international appearances. You joined the national team when Luis de la Fuente was coaching the U21 team, and then made your senior debut in a tough match against Malta. You scored on your debut, and you scored three goals in the European Championship, but haven't scored in the World Cup yet. In my opinion, Rodri performed well towards the end of this tournament, but you are the most complete player and the one who has fueled Spain's attack. Do you dream of scoring for Spain in the World Cup final?
Yes, that's obvious. If we had the chance to score a goal that could seal the championship and help us win, it would be a dream come true. But that's not my only concern right now. My focus is on helping the team and getting them to win. Who scores after that doesn't matter; the important thing is that the team wins, and that's my goal.
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a player like Iniesta?
I think Iniesta is one of a kind. I would say my dream is to become the 2026 version of Dani Olmo. Hopefully, it will come true.
Because Iniesta was truly the first to do it. You can become followers, you can become legends, but Iniesta was lucky; he was the only one.
No one can be like him. I think that moment and now are incomparable. It will certainly be different, although the feeling of ecstasy may be similar, but it can never be compared.
Are you worried about playing in a "Bombonera" atmosphere? According to the Football Association, the 80,000 spectators at Metropolitan Life Stadium will likely be 7 to 3 or 8 to 2. That means Argentine fans will make up an overwhelming majority both on the streets of Manhattan and inside the stadium. For a player about to play in the World Cup final, is this pressure low, high, or nonexistent?
We are not worried because we have felt the support of the fans and the entire nation up close, whether in the stadium, on the streets, or throughout Spain. We can feel this close connection. Even though there are more Argentinians than Spaniards in the stadium, we are fighting for our entire country.
Could this even inspire motivation?
Yes, of course. When facing tackles or the opponent's aggression, we need to focus on our own performance. They will certainly be cheering for their team, but we cannot afford to be distracted.
How has Luis de la Fuente been performing in these last few hours? Everyone's talking about you, Rodri, Laporte, Pedri, Merino, Cucurella, Pedro Porro, and Unai Simon. How do you feel about the coach compared to the European Championship two years ago? What has Luis de la Fuente brought to you? He always praises you as "good lads," "good people," and "good players." What does Olmo say about Luis de la Fuente?
The coach was calm and full of confidence in us. He conveyed this feeling to us, which reassured the whole team. Everything was normal on the eve of the World Cup final, and he acted naturally. When that moment arrived, we were even more focused.
We met the coach that day; his shirt looked even tighter than yours.
Yes, he does work out regularly.
He trains very hard. I also want to ask you about the "family feeling"—every detail is important. Today, AS reported on a nutritionist you share with some of the Barcelona players. He mentioned Eric Garcia. You look to be in excellent form, and like everyone else, you're probably already craving a big meal because you've pushed your diet to its limits. How much of an impact does positive feedback have on the body and mind? How does it feel to have someone besides the fitness coach who can help you reach your peak physical condition? Are you currently at the best stage of your career?
Yes. Nutrition is indeed crucial. Details matter. I've always believed that everything in excess is harmful. Self-discipline is good, but there are always times to relax and eat what you want, within limits, of course. Our current preparations are going very well; I know what works best for me. I've tried many things over the years, and I know what suits me. We will repeat these successful experiences.
Your chairman, Juan Laporta, is also in Manhattan, and he spoke about your opponent, Julian Alvarez. Will you take this opportunity to say something to Julian?
I've known Julian for a long time and we've faced each other many times. He's a great guy and a top player. This will be a fantastic final and a great reunion.
Why don't you ask him about the progress of his transfer?
Absolutely not.
Perhaps you could try to distract him a little: "Hey, what did Barcelona say? Are you coming or not?"
Perhaps distracting him will work, but we'll wait and see. Julian is a very focused player and doesn't talk much.
He spoke out after one of Argentina's matches.
I was referring to the field.
I understand. He said after the match that he wanted to realize his dream, and everyone knows his dream is to wear a Barcelona jersey.
Since he said so, then let's fight for our dreams. But that's not my focus right now. He'll do what he needs to do, and we'll start on Sunday.
What if we win?
Then let's celebrate wildly with the whole country.
Not only are there trophies, but also rings. This time, they've launched championship rings like the NBA does. This is a first. It's really cool. Do you like this idea?
Yes, I love it. My teammates at Leipzig and at Barcelona did the same thing; it's a lifelong memento.
Lamin was wearing a necklace and ring, so he probably wouldn't even pass through airport security.
It's okay, let him take the ring, that's good news.
