Spanish national team star Mikel Merino appeared in statements to La 1 following the crowning of the 2026 World Cup title after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time.
Mireno stated: "What we have achieved is crazy in every sense of the word. It is an absolutely amazing accomplishment. I congratulate everyone, as we truly deserved this title."
Regarding the disallowed goal for his teammate Nico Williams, he said: "I celebrated the goal wildly, but the referee told me I committed a foul, even though I was turning with my back to the opponent. Such details in matches of this magnitude can be extremely costly, and fortunately, we came away with the win in the end."
He added about the match: "Argentina tried to press in the final minutes, but overall we were the better side and more dominant. Despite the dry pitch and some other conditions, we imposed our control on the game."
Mikel Merino spoke about the relationship within the Spanish national team, saying: "It’s different when you win with people you’ve shared many moments of joy and sadness with. We’ve spent over fifty days together, in addition to previous gathering periods. The word that describes this team is: family."
He concluded his remarks by saying: "I dedicate this title to all the people close to me, to my family, my wife, my parents, and my siblings. I feel a great happiness, as I am that child who dreamed of this moment, and today I live it as a man."
