Rodri Hernandez (30) emphasizes the progress Spain has made in recent years to reach the World Cup final. "We've come through a gradual process of growth. We've seen a team that's maturing. I said at the time that this team would make headlines.
"The path to the biggest achievement, which is lifting the World Cup, is the one we've taken. First it was the Nations League, then the Euros, and now we have a great challenge ahead to make this generation unforgettable."
The Villanueva de la Canada native highlights Argentina's star but warns that the Albiceleste have many more weapons than just the man from Rosario.
"I don't think there's any need to explain what Messi is as a player or for Argentina. For me, he's the best of all time. He led them to win the World Cup in Qatar. Argentina is much more than just Messi. They have players of a very high level. We're the two teams that play the best collective football."
The Madrid midfielder points out that they came to North America to play this match. "That was the main goal. The objective when we came was to win it (the cup) and we knew it was possible. Now we're up against the team that's been in the best form in recent years. I told the guys in the semifinals that we had to want to win more than we feared losing."
He also explains how he's taking on his captaincy. "Learning from previous captains, it's complex and there's a part you have to work on. Your teammates will look to you. Other than that, not much has changed. The team is very mature."
And he points out that his role has changed now. "Now it's my turn to be captain and that's it, learning. Especially from the previous captains. It's complex. Your teammates will look to you in moments of doubt. That's the step forward. In everything else, we're still a very mature team."
Argentina
Rodri sees his opponent at a very high level. "Argentina have a competitive character. It speaks to their personality. We take into account the type of team they are. The match could go through many different scenarios. We have to go for the win. It's about being ourselves throughout the whole match."
He also highlights their competitive spirit. "Reaching two World Cup finals speaks to their performance. They're the most in-form national team in recent years. We're trying to do the same."
Regarding his memories of the 2010 World Cup, he says the following: "A lot of time has passed, but we can take away the mentality of going for something that at the time seemed impossible for our country."
Still, he knows there's nothing more important than winning a World Cup, when asked what he would trade from what he's achieved so far to beat Argentina on Sunday. "The greatest thing is to be world champion. The important thing isn't what you would trade, but that everything is a process. The key is to believe that you can achieve the biggest goals."
Style of play
Rodrigo believes Spain have a variety of styles. "There's no single style of play for a team. We haven't seen the same Spain in every match. Sunday's game will be more physical. If anything defines the situation, it's that we know how to play in every moment, whether it's keeping possession or counterattacking."
But he is clear that the midfield battle will be crucial. "I don't know, but I think football is decided there. We have great midfields. It might not be decisive, but it will be important."
And he warns about the importance of staying calm in certain situations. "Argentina are a team that gives everything. If the game gets aggressive, we have to ignore it and not get drawn into provocations."