Rodri previews Spain vs Argentina World Cup final: “This is the biggest game of our lives”

Rodri turned 30 on June 22. It feels like the perfect age, the perfect moment, to lift the trophy awarded to the World Cup champions. It’s something he’s dreamed about. Now comes the chance to make it a reality.

Relaxed at Spain’s Melanie Lane training base, he settles into his chair (“It’s comfortable”) before sitting down with AS for his only interview ahead of the final, which sees Spain take on Argentina. Calm throughout, he occasionally comes close to getting emotional because he knows this stage is unique and perhaps will never come again. That’s why it has to be embraced, appreciated and, above all, approached with courage.

“I told the guys that we have to want to win more than we’re afraid of losing.”

That’s the mindset.

You’ve probably had time to picture some of the iconic images of legends lifting the World Cup: Pelé, Maradona, Casillas, Messi... What goes through your mind?

At this stage it’s obvious we’re facing a very tough opponent that knows what it takes to be world champion. We’re full of excitement but also calm, knowing this is the biggest game of our lives.

The video of you walking into the locker room after the semifinal saying, “Oh my God, oh my God,” went viral...

It was our second final in a short space of time. I was thinking about what it means, what it says about the work we’ve done, how this team has grown and beaten teams like France, Portugal and Belgium. We know there’s still one more step to take, but we’re happy to be in another final.

Spain youth coach Santi Denia told us that when you were 16, playing for Spain’s U-16 team, you were only about 5-foot-3 but already saw the game before everyone else. Even then, did you believe you could reach this level?

(Smiles.) That was so long ago. I remember getting that first call-up because it was one of the happiest moments of my life. At that age you don’t realize how much room you still have to grow. I never imagined I’d end up in moments like this. But with hard work, discipline and always wanting to improve, you can get here. I have wonderful memories of that time. (Smiles again.)

You’ve arrived at the World Cup in the best form of your season. Pep Guardiola even said your peak would come at the tournament. How did that plan come together?

It wasn’t one specific conversation. It was the result of a lot of talks. I’d come back from a significant injury, and this year was about rebuilding, especially physically because muscular issues were what kept setting me back. We had to be smart and stop so I could strengthen my body. From January onward I improved a lot, right up until the end of the season, when I missed another couple of weeks. I understood this season was about preparing properly with the World Cup as the main goal. Before the tournament I said I felt great, I just needed more game rhythm. Now I feel better than I have all season.

You’ve looked much stronger in the knockout rounds than in the opener. It almost feels like the Euro-winning, Ballon d’Or version of Rodri. Was that planned?

Not at all. The team had to qualify first. We took it game by game. Like any team, we improved as the tournament went on and found our best version. That’s what Spain has shown, both collectively and individually. It’s not always smart to reveal all your cards too early. The team showed great maturity by recognizing when the most important moments arrived and finding another level in the knockout rounds. We also came through the group stage without conceding a goal, with convincing wins against tough opponents. But yes, our best version came afterward, and that’s exactly what we needed.

Speaking of that Ballon d’Or level, you once said that if Lamine Yamal kept developing, he’d eventually be in that conversation too. Is the 2026 version of Lamine where you expected him to be?

That was two years ago, and he’s improved tremendously since then. He’s playing in his first World Cup at 19 years old. Considering it’s his first experience and the context of the team, he’s performing at a very high level. He still has room to improve, but what impresses me most is what he does without the ball, the work rate, the way he understands when the team needs him defensively. Against France he probably played his best game. He’s just one small step away from producing that moment of brilliance. Above all, I hope he gets what he wants, that goal, but I value everything else he brings.

You’re a very analytical player. Spain managed to frustrate France, but Argentina presents a completely different challenge. What kind of game do you expect?

They’re completely different games. That’s what match preparation is all about. Every opponent requires a different approach. France has more pace and power on the break. Argentina is more of a collective team, they like possession, they’re aggressive, charismatic. They’re different. We have to understand how to hurt them using our strengths while recognizing they have many players capable of making the difference. We’ll need a complete performance, offensively and defensively, if we want to win.

Do you have to keep Messi away from the penalty area and stay tight to him?

First, keep him away from the box. Second, when we inevitably have to defend him, stay closer and be more aggressive. Maybe don’t drop off quite so much. We’re a team that likes to press forward and force opponents backward. I think that’ll be one of the keys on Sunday. But with a player like Leo, who’s often unpredictable, you always have to stay alert.

You’re one of the few players to have denied Messi a Ballon d’Or over the last decade or so.

I didn’t take anything away from him. Messi speaks for himself. Beyond the individual awards, his career says everything. To still be playing at this level at 39 and to be the best player at this World Cup is incredible. For Argentina, he’s much more than just a player. He’s their leader and their reference point. But we’ll have to control Argentina as a whole.

Do you think you’re appreciated more abroad than in Spain?

I don’t know. That’s something only other people can answer. I do play in England, which has a much bigger global media profile than Spain. It’s all a matter of opinion. I feel highly valued, and I also feel very loved in my own country. Whenever I’m out in public, people show me a lot of affection. As captain, I feel even more proud because of that.

Have you spoken to Iker Casillas this week? Do you think about the possibility of being the man who lifts the World Cup?

I saw him before the Uruguay game. We talked for a while near the locker room. He’s the only Spanish player who’s ever lifted the World Cup. Hopefully on Sunday we can improve our history. Right now, though, the important thing is staying calm. Moments like this can make you rush or become anxious because you want it so badly. That’s why we have to keep the group relaxed, recover properly and go into the final wanting to win. Like I told the guys after France, you have to want to win more than you’re afraid to lose. If you’ve worked hard enough to get here, you can achieve it. So let’s go all in.

Before the Euro final, you said all you wanted afterward was to rest and do nothing. This time, do you have to sort out your club future?

Right now, just like I said before the World Cup, I’m only thinking about this tournament. I’m under contract with my club, and I’ll deal with everything else after it’s over. We have a challenge that’s far too important to be distracted by anything else. Playing well here will help me make the right decision. I’m happy with my performances, but we’re only one step away from glory.

What’s your message to everyone back in Spain?

Keep supporting us the way you have throughout the World Cup. Go out into the streets. Let’s all come together behind one cause. For different reasons, our country spends too much time divided, and soccer is something that unites everyone. We may not be there, but we hear what it’s like back home. Everyone’s going crazy, supporting us, cheering us on. We feel that support, and hopefully on Sunday everyone will be in front of a screen backing us.

Do you believe in superstitions?

Not really. I’m more of a believer in hard work and effort.

You were on the cover of AS before the Euro final and before Manchester City’s Champions League final...

Hopefully that’s a good sign. But what matters most is bringing the trophy home. It would be historic for this generation, which has come from relative anonymity. And it’s something our country deserves.

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