Rodri‘s high-profile switch from Manchester Metropolis to FC Barcelona stands as one of many defining strikes of 2026, particularly with the midfielder coming off a dominant efficiency on the 2026 World Cup. Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente shared his perspective on the marquee switch, providing lofty reward for the star midfielder: “Rodri is the Messi of Spanish soccer.“
Talking to Radio Marca, De la Fuente was requested whether or not becoming a member of Barcelona would profit Rodri since he already shares a locker room with a number of nationwide group colleagues: “It is going to be simpler for him to adapt, however Rodrigo is the Messi of Spanish soccer, so he’ll adapt properly to any group, in any circumstance. He’s the very best on the planet in his place.”
Although working in essentially totally different tactical roles, the game-changing presence of each Rodri and Messi makes them indispensable anchors for his or her respective sides. That elite affect was on full show all through the 2026 World Cup, the place each stars elevated Spain and Argentina, culminating in Rodri taking residence the Golden Ball because the event’s prime participant.
De la Fuente additionally advocated for extra elite Spanish expertise to return residence to La Liga. “What I rejoice is that these nice footballers are in La Liga, as a result of it makes the League higher, as a result of it makes the very best gamers on the planet, who’re our footballers, the Spaniards, compete right here in Spanish golf equipment. I’d welcome it if many who’re nonetheless overseas may return right here to show the capability, expertise, and nice footballing class they possess,” he candidly said.
Pedro Diaz of Rayo Vallecano is challenged by Rodri of Barcelona. (Alex Caparros/Getty Pictures)
Out of the beginning XI that featured within the World Cup closing in opposition to Argentina, seven gamers spent final season in La Liga, whereas Rodri (Manchester Metropolis), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), and Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain) have been taking part in overseas. With Rodri and Cucurella now securing strikes again to Spain, De la Fuente views the shift as a robust assertion on the power of La Liga and the nationwide group ecosystem.
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De la Fuente on Messi’s retirement
On Monday, Messi caught the sports activities world off guard by saying his stepping down from worldwide obligation with Argentina, bringing a historic period to an in depth. Together with his absence confirmed for the upcoming September-October worldwide window, the World Cup closing in opposition to Spain stands as his closing aggressive look in an Albiceleste jersey.
When requested for his ideas on the choice, De la Fuente made clear that whereas Messi’s worldwide tenure has concluded, his total impression on the sport stays timeless: “I, out of admiration, data, and gratitude from somebody who, like me, loves soccer, to a footballing determine who’s a legend. Usually when time passes and somebody retires, one is extra able to valuing what somebody has achieved, however that received’t occur with Messi.“
Whereas noting Messi’s exhaustive report guide, De la Fuente emphasised that Messi will in the end depart soccer on his personal phrases quite than fading from it. “He’ll nonetheless proceed in lively soccer, he has left the nationwide group, however he’s nonetheless going so as to add to his resume, and when he lastly leaves soccer—which he’ll depart when he desires—soccer is not going to depart him, after which we are going to understand the footballing dimension of a soccer participant whose numbers will probably be very tough for anybody to surpass,” the Spain boss concluded.
