NEW YORK — There was a strong theme of mutual respect and admiration from the figureheads of Spain and Argentina as the teams enter the final day of preparation before Sunday’s World Cup final.Speaking in a press conference at the Javits Center on the West Side of Manhattan, Spain captain Rodri praised both Lionel Messi and Argentina as “the toughest rival” for a World Cup final. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez countered by calling Spain “a great team.”For both coaches, it’s clear that they see the other as a worthy confrontation to earn the title of world champion.“I really do see two super teams with a lot of similarities in behavior and in footballing talent,” Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said.Countered Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni: “How could Spain not worry us? They’re a great team.”Indeed, these two teams enter the final with arguably the sport’s best resumes. Argentina is looking to win four consecutive major trophies: two Copa América titles and back-to-back World Cups. Spain, meanwhile, is unbeaten in 37 straight matches and won both the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League and 2024 European Championship. The two were due to battle in La Finalissima — the match pitting the reigning Copa América and Euro winners against each other — in March in Qatar, but the occasion was canceled due to the conflict in nearby Iran. They’ve found their way to a match with the greatest possible significance instead.Is Rodri back to his Ballon d'Or best?Reuben PinderThey are teams known for their respective stars — Messi and Lamine Yamal — but who have thrived off of team mentality as much as the ability of those respective players.“Regarding Messi, I don’t think it’s necessary to spell out the kind of player he is or what he means to Argentina,” Rodri said. “I consider him the greatest player of all time, a player who has been able to lead his national team, taking them to win the World Cup in Qatar and now in this case to a final.