“An Argentina-Spain final will be great but only if we win”

Lionel Messi, the protagonist of many Barcelona victories has always remarked that he would give away all the trophies he won with the Catalans for one trophy with Argentina.

The playmaker had a great chance in the 2014 World Cup as Argentina made it to the finals but he was left disappointed as Germany clinched the coveted trophy through a Mario Goetze goal in extra-time. Messi sat out Argentina’s recent friendlies with Italy and Spain through a slight injury and saw the Albiceleste get hammered 6-1 by Spain.

Spain will be looking to dominate the World Cup with their assured playing style being complemented by some of the best players in modern football. Messi had previously mentioned wanting to avoid Spain in the first round. In an interview with Spanish Football Federation’s official magazine, the Argentine revealed that it would be a special game if both Argentina and Spain make it to the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

"They had a World Cup qualifying phase which was very good, they are clearly a candidate to win. The level of the players is spectacular and they are always the team to beat for the rest of the countries. In Brazil they went out earlier than expected but I'm sure in Russia they'll fight to the end,” Messi said about Spain.

"I want to say Argentina are in the final so I would sign up for that now (Spain v Argentina), it would be a special game. I've spent a long time living here, I know the Spanish players well, I have friends in the Spanish side, so let's see.

However, while he opined that while an Argentina-Spain final would be great, it would nonetheless be a desirable one for him if Argentina goes on to win the final.

“I hope it happens... but always only if Argentina win!"