Fernando Llorente warns: 'The night before a World Cup final is nothing like any other game'
2010 champion Fernando Llorente opened up about the nerves of a Cup final and heaped praise on Messi ahead of Spain vs Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.
Anyone who has lived through a World Cup final knows: there is no pretending it is a normal match. Fernando Llorente, a champion with Spain in 2010, got straight to the point on the eve of the clash between the Spanish and the Argentines at the 2026 World Cup.
"The night before is nothing like any other game," said the former striker, who took part in a FIFA legends event at the Rockefeller Center Fan Fest in New York, according to Marca. "I remember we were filled with nerves, with uncertainty," he added.
But Llorente did not stop at nostalgia. He was struck by the composure of the new generation. "It really surprises me how the young players handle this kind of match," he said. In his view, this generation has no fear of the big stage — and is capable of producing their very best when it matters most.
On the outcome, the former Athletic Club, Juventus and Tottenham man was cautious: whoever steps onto the pitch sharper and more determined will have a great chance. And he reminded everyone that a single goal changes everything — "anything can happen," he said.
And Messi? Llorente was unstinting in his praise. For him, the Argentine is "the best player in history" — and what impresses him most is not just the talent, but the hunger to keep improving. "You have to take your hat off to him," he declared.
The Golmetria model gives Argentina a 33% chance of lifting the trophy — which, curiously, is far higher than the 7.5% implied by current market odds. A divergence that says a great deal about how much this squad still divides opinion — even with the 2022 title already in their pocket.
Spain vs Argentina. A World Cup final. Llorente has already warned you: the night before is going to be a long one.