Two FC Barcelona legends, former teammates of Lionel Messi, and ex-players for the two national teams playing the FIFA World Cup final debated who will win the match between Spain and Argentina on the CB1MILLI YouTube channel.
It’s no surprise that Xavi picked Spain and Javier Mascherano picked Argentina, but their reasoning is interesting.
Mascherano highlighted Argentina’s hunger, speed, and quality.
“In the last game, we can watch what they can do. And they have the tools to play a really good final
and lift the trophy,” the former defensive midfielder said.
Argentina defeated England 2-1 in a comeback victory in the semifinal.
Xavi ceded all points, but still disagreed. “Fully agreed, because Argentina is a top team. They know how to win,” he said.
“But … we already won the [Euros], we have many players to make the difference, we have good defenders, good goalkeepers – in my opinion, the best midfielders in the world controlling the game – and I think we will have the tempo, the possession, and this is Spain.”
It’s no surprise that Xavi, known for his ability to control games and keep possession for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, saw that as the main advantage.
“Argentina is suffering without the ball, and we can have all the possession.”
He also highlighted Lamine Yamal, who debuted under Xavi as Barcelona manager, as the difference-maker upfront.
“But we have Messi, and they don’t,” Mascherano countered.
“That’s true,” Xavi conceded. His only response was to keep the ball as far away as possible from the Argentine star, noting that such a task was “difficult.”
