Dani Olmo reacts to facing childhood idol Lionel Messi in World Cup final: ‘Playing against him gives you extra motivation’

Dani Olmo reacts to facing childhood idol Lionel Messi in World Cup final: ‘Playing against him gives you extra motivation’ Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo insists Spain have every reason to believe they can beat Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, stressing that the squad’s confidence has been built on performances rather than optimism alone. With Spain one win away from becoming world champions, Olmo believes Luis de la Fuente’s side have earned the right to see themselves as favourites despite standing opposite Lionel Messi and the defending champions.  Speaking in an extensive interview with Mundo Deportivo , Olmo discussed Spain’s form, the challenge of facing Argentina, his role in the team and the dream of lifting football’s biggest trophy. Olmo explains why Spain can beat Argentina Olmo has been one of Spain’s most influential players throughout the World Cup, operating between midfield and attack while helping La Roja reach their first final since 2010. Asked about his performances during the tournament, the Barcelona midfielder said: “I’m feeling great, very confident, and very comfortable in those positions. Plus, the team is performing at a spectacular level. I think that’s clear to see. “We players feel it too, and it rubs off on all of us; we feed off each other’s energy, and that makes us better, helps us compete better and, ultimately, win – which is the aim.” Spanish players have repeatedly spoken about their belief throughout the tournament, and Olmo made it clear that confidence is unchanged before the biggest match of the tournament . “One small step. The very last one. It’s not going to be easy. Argentina are a great side, with a great team and great players, but we’ve got this far on our own merits. Dani Olmo is confident ahead of the World Cup final. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) “We have the utmost confidence in our chances, in our football, in our quality, in what we can do – and we know we can do it.” Olmo’s praise for Lionel Messi Olmo was also asked whether he could become Spain’s version of Andres Iniesta by scoring the winning goal in a World Cup final. Rather than embracing the comparison, he replied, “There’s only one Andrés Iniesta. I imagine myself as the Dani Olmo of 2026.  “I’d love to, but to be honest, I don’t really think about it.  “As long as we win and I end up in a photo lifting the trophy with the whole team, I don’t mind whether I score or not. But, well, if I can score and have that memory for life, then I’d love that.” The conversation then turned to Messi, who remains the biggest obstacle between Spain and the World Cup trophy. Olmo acknowledged the Argentine captain’s form, saying, “Messi is having a spectacular World Cup.  “There’s no doubt about the player he’s been or the player he is. He’s a player to be reckoned with, and we’ve played against him just like we have against everyone else,” he noted. He also reflected on a childhood photograph that has resurfaced in recent days, showing him watching Messi play. “It’s at the Castelldefels ground, yes. My dad used to coach there. What a twist of fate that we’ve ended up facing each other in a World Cup final.” Despite Messi being one of his footballing idols growing up, Olmo insisted sentiment will have no place once the final begins. “No, we haven’t really talked about it [exchanging shirt with Messi] much, to be honest.  “Just reaching a World Cup final is incredible in itself. Playing against Messi might give you extra motivation, or it might not, but at the end of the day it’s the same.  “You have to beat the best in the world. Messi is one of them, and we’ve been drawn to face him in the final. So we’re going to win.” Spain focused on making history Olmo also revealed that members of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad have already shared words of encouragement with the current group. Recalling a recent meeting with Carles Puyol, he said, “We bumped into Carles Puyol whilst he was filming a TV programme.  “We interrupted Eric García for a moment to have our photo taken, and he told us to enjoy ourselves and go for it,” he concluded.