The evening before the most important day of their careers, the Spain squad poised to capture the 2010 World Cup met at the Da Vinci Hotel in Sandton, north of Johannesburg, sipping hot chocolate, enjoying chocolate pastries and chatting. The evening before the most important day of their careers, the Spain players hoping to match that achievement 16 years later will gather at the MC Montclair in New Jersey and chat as well, though chocolate will be absent this time. Certain customs are best left unchanged.

“I believe the nutritionists ended that tradition for us!” Mikel Merino says, stepping off the bus, refreshed and ready for the final, before entering a tactics session at the Melanie Lane training ground where Spain’s final preparation day begins. “We enjoyed Cola Cao and pastries in the under-19s and under-21s, mirroring the seniors, but that has changed. Each player follows their personal habits, yet the key is to keep everything ordinary: just another match, performing actions we understand well, that we have practiced since age five and truly enjoy. Approach it as something pleasurable, a normal part of our routine.”

Quite a day. Quite a year as well. “Outstanding,” Merino describes it. “Recently we discussed this; if offered the opportunity, I would have accepted it immediately: enduring tough periods to experience a year like this feels remarkable. The moments I have faced, along with my family.” A Premier League crown, a Champions League final, welcoming his first child and reaching a World Cup final. Plus the injury that nearly derailed everything. “I am embracing every second with tremendous happiness,” he notes. “Consider where I stood several months ago and where I stand now. This makes me value it even more.”

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente assured Merino he would wait, yet the stress fracture in his foot resisted quick assessment initially. “Upon learning of my injury I doubted my World Cup participation,” the 30-year-old concedes. Merino underwent surgery at the end of January, which brought some comfort since it provided certainty and confirmed action was underway. He relied on crutches for two months. Afterward he trained intensely.

He spent some days by himself, others assisted by his wife with lifting tasks, which felt reversed since she was expecting, yet she displayed resilience that proved essential. He discovered his own resilience exceeded his expectations. Still, he logged only 28 minutes from January until the World Cup, departing while leaving his newborn son Marco at home. “Simply arriving here represents success for me,” he states. “With good fortune we can claim the title.”

That Spain remains in contention, reaching this stage, stems significantly from his contributions, far beyond a typical substitute role. Like Lautaro Martínez on the opposing side, Merino has delivered crucial interventions from the bench. “Not even my boldest imaginings foresaw this,” he says, though he prepared for exactly such scenarios. He avoids idleness and rejects frustration; instead he analyzes.

At Euro 2024, entering as a substitute versus Germany in Stuttgart, Merino netted in the 119th minute to advance Spain to the semis. Here he scored in the 91st minute against Portugal to propel Spain into the quarters. One issue arose: his wife and son were absent in Dallas. Four days later in Los Angeles, with them present, he repeated the feat against Belgium. The clock read 85 minutes 32 seconds upon his entry; it showed 87:27 when he scored the decisive goal. He recorded just two touches, yet his quick thinking to initiate play proved nearly as vital.

All three goals received identical celebrations, now well known. Merino ran around the corner flag as his father Ángel Miguel had after scoring late for Osasuna in the same Stuttgart venue 33 years prior. Securing the World Cup would allow him to claim superiority, correct? “My mother would reject that notion, even with a World Cup,” he replies with a smile. “I take pride in continuing my father’s path, having absorbed his lessons, and respect endures … even if I hold the medal!

“Entering from the bench is not preferred by any player, yet joining a national side as competitive as ours, shared with Lautaro, means treasuring each chance and supporting the team whether playing or not. Focus stays on the moment, accepting the role, and viewing oneself as capable. I hold full confidence in my skills: each appearance convinces me of my potential influence. In the final, I hope any Spanish player emerges as the standout. The trophy belongs to everyone, not solely the starting eleven.”

He adds: “Ego matters for a footballer. Amid external critiques, it proves necessary. Yet humility is equally vital. Players join the national team as key figures at their clubs and encounter a different dynamic. Discussing ‘family’ comes easily, but true tests arise during setbacks. This stems from Luis and the group he selected, emphasizing strong character before football ability. That approach aids extended time together. We understand one another deeply, sensing when to jest or stay quiet; that defines our group strength. After 46 or 47 days united, we remain …”

A brief silence follows before Merino chuckles. Avoid misinterpretation. “I would not claim eagerness for another two months together,” he says, laughing. “Fortunately we near the conclusion, yet we form a resilient unit. That explains our presence.” Hot chocolate and pastries may be gone, but some gather around the PlayStation while others play Mario Kart or chess, with Dani Olmo and Unai Simón competing during bus rides. Merino prefers traditional talks after meals, lingering at the table without haste, “discussing life, our children, plans, vacations”.

“I hear a couple plan a joint trip afterward,” he mentions. “That seems … remarkable … following this duration. I anticipate seeing no one!”

This unity traces to deep foundations built on respect over years. Following the semi-final, De la Fuente described warm embraces with several players, allowing brief nostalgia: see what we achieved. His initial success came at the European Under-19s in 2015, now 11 years past. Merino and Rodri anchored midfield that day, with Simón on the bench. Ten current squad members have featured under De la Fuente at youth levels.

“I discussed this with the coach recently due to the tournament anniversary,” Merino says. “We noted ‘how we have evolved’ yet the core stays consistent: the coach’s approach and the players who progressed together. That underpins our group strength. Grey hairs, wrinkles and concerns have increased, but humility and dedication persist.

“Luis has coached many of us at under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels. This holds great value. For him it means knowing each player’s capabilities, offering assurance. For the players it means sharing all experiences, positive and negative, so nothing feels unfamiliar. He understands your contributions without surprises. He selects you based on personal and professional knowledge. The group recognizes his complete trust, and he knows we would give everything for him.”

This explains why belief endured after Spain’s loss in Scotland early in De la Fuente’s time, when his tenure seemed at risk. Since then Spain have suffered just one defeat in 37 matches, that coming on penalties in the Nations League final. They have secured a Nations League title, a Euros crown and now a World Cup final appearance.

“Often belief outweighs visible evidence,” Merino says. “We possess a strong group with high-caliber players. We recognized the potential and observed progress. Even that evening in Scotland, when many dismissed us or doubted this generation, we maintained faith in our methods and knew the squad was exceptional. It has succeeded: our trust was validated.”

Now comes Spain against Argentina. Messi against Lamine. And that image. “It defies belief,” Merino says. “My first view suggested AI creation, something unreal. Life’s coincidences can seem scripted yet arise naturally. It amazes that two of the game’s finest, with Lamine potentially joining them, share such a moment. The photo dates back a couple of years, so jokes here have likely run their course. Still it stands out.

“Regarding Messi, observe his continued excellence at 39. This may mark his final match or final. Facing him presents a remarkable test. The contest will prove demanding, as expected in a World Cup final. Physical challenges will occur, yet referees manage them. We must move the ball swiftly. Reduced possession time limits their fouling opportunities.”

Then perform as on any ordinary day, following Spain’s tradition. “I recall watching that 2010 group create history,” Merino says. “Those reflections return. As a child then, viewing idols for myself and teammates. One imagines experiencing that someday, inspired by their example. Now we represent our nation, and a new generation watches us, creating something extraordinary.”