Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has revealed he feared missing the World Cup due to a stress fracture in his foot, but now cherishes every moment of the tournament. Speaking ahead of the final against Argentina, Merino highlighted the importance of Spain's team culture built on respect and unity under coach Luis de la Fuente.
Injury ordeal and recovery
Merino suffered a stress fracture in his foot and underwent surgery at the end of January. He spent two months on crutches and credits his wife, who was pregnant at the time, for helping him through rehabilitation. 'When they told me about my injury I didn't think I would be at the World Cup,' the 30-year-old admitted. He played just 28 minutes between January and the tournament, leaving his newborn son Marco behind to join the squad. 'Just being here is a victory for me,' he said.
Impact from the bench
Merino has been a crucial substitute, scoring late winners against Portugal in the last 16 and Belgium in the quarter-finals, replicating his heroics from Euro 2024. His goal celebrations pay homage to his father, Ángel Miguel, who scored a late winner for Osasuna in the same Stuttgart stadium 33 years ago. 'I'm proud to follow in my dad's footsteps,' Merino said. 'Even if I have the medal, my mum won't buy that I'm the better player.'
Team culture under De la Fuente
Merino emphasized the squad's focus on being good humans first. 'Luis has created a team built on respect,' he said. Ten of the current squad played under De la Fuente at junior levels, including the European Under-19s title in 2015. 'The essence is the same: the humility and commitment remains,' Merino added. Despite a loss to Scotland early in De la Fuente's tenure, the team believed in their potential. Since then, Spain have lost only once in 37 games, winning the Nations League, European Championship, and now reaching the World Cup final.
Facing Argentina and Messi
Merino acknowledged the challenge of facing Lionel Messi, who at 39 continues to perform at an elite level. 'It's an incredible challenge to play against him,' he said. 'We have to ensure the ball moves fast to reduce foul opportunities.' He also marveled at the famous photo of Messi with Lamine Yamal, calling it 'unbelievable' and 'like something scripted.'
Final thoughts
Reflecting on the 2010 World Cup-winning team, Merino said: 'I remember watching that generation make history. Now we represent our country, and a new generation of kids are watching us. It's magical.' He stressed the importance of normalizing the occasion: 'Just another game, something we've done since we were five years old.'
