Messi to get 'special attention'

Luis de la Fuente said Spain plans to give Lionel Messi “special attention” in Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina, while ruling out man-marking the 39-year-old. Speaking Friday at a press conference, the Spain coach said he knows from experience that direct, one-on-one marking is difficult to sustain against an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. He recalled coaching Sevilla’s youth team when Messi played junior football at Barcelona, describing a match that began 0-0 before Messi scored four goals within 15 minutes after the marker was substituted. De la Fuente said Spain will instead stay alert and focus on an overall tactical plan. He also framed the matchup as a personal duel with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, noting a friendship formed in 2017. He dismissed suggestions of disruptive tactics and said Spain is ready for a longer half-time break that is expected to nearly double the usual 15 minutes.