Spain legend Andres Iniesta has warned that completely shutting down Lionel Messi in Monday's FIFA World Cup final against Argentina is an unrealistic objective, urging La Roja to instead impose their own game and carry into the final the confidence that has propelled them to the title match.

The Messi Problem Spain Cannot Solve

Argentina arrive at the final as the tournament's highest-scoring side, with Messi contributing eight goals and four assists — a tally that has made him the defining player of this World Cup. Iniesta, who knows Messi better than most having shared a dressing room with him at FC Barcelona for years, was unequivocal about the limits of any containment strategy.

'Shutting him down completely is impossible. It will be more about how much Spain can hurt Argentina with their own game, creating chances, and being clinical when they come along,' Iniesta said in an interview with El Partidazo de COPE, as quoted by Goal.com.

Iniesta's Tribute to Messi

The 2010 FIFA World Cup final hero — Iniesta scored Spain's winning goal against the Netherlands in Johannesburg — was effusive in his admiration for the Argentine captain, who is widely expected to be playing in the final World Cup of his career.

'There are no words, or I just don't know how to describe it. The determination, conviction, and everything he does in every single game is something you just have to take your hat off to,' Iniesta said.

Confidence Over Anxiety: Iniesta's Message to La Roja

Despite acknowledging Argentina's threat, Iniesta was emphatic that Spain must enter the final free of fear. Spain head into the match unbeaten across seven games, having conceded just one goal throughout the tournament — a defensive record that underlines Luis de la Fuente's side's resilience.

'No, no, never fear. You must never play with fear. I think it's down to the confidence the players give you, and their momentum throughout the World Cup has been on an upward trajectory. They head into the final with all the confidence in the world,' he said.

'Everyone knows exactly what they need to do. No matter who plays, everyone knows their role, and they exude supreme confidence. It doesn't matter who is on the pitch or what position they play; they give you the feeling that everything is under control,' Iniesta added.

Spain's Path to the Final

Spain reached the showpiece after defeating France 2-0 in the semifinals, combining a disciplined defensive structure with an attack built around Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal, and Mikel Merino. A victory on Monday would deny Argentina back-to-back World Cup titles and deliver Spain their first world title since 2010.

On Who Scores the Winner

When asked whether the identity of the match-winner would matter, Iniesta — himself one of football's most celebrated final scorers — was characteristically selfless.

'It's not even a dilemma, because my answer is that I don't care who scores it. The important thing, just like back then, is that we walk away as champions. Who scores is secondary, as long as it's the goal that wins it,' he said.

With the world watching on Monday, Spain will look to translate Iniesta's counsel into a trophy — and write a new chapter in their golden era of international football.