Spain Manager Praises Rodri as the “Messi of Spanish Football” Following Barcelona Transfer

The high-profile transfer of Rodri from Manchester City to FC Barcelona represents one of the most significant moves of 2026, particularly following his standout performance at the 2026 World Cup. Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente commented on the marquee signing, offering high praise for the midfielder: “Rodri is the Messi of Spanish football.”

Speaking to Radio Marca, De la Fuente addressed whether joining Barcelona would benefit Rodri given his existing locker room connections with national teammates: “Adaptation will be easier for him, but Rodrigo is the Messi of Spanish football, so he will integrate well into any team, in any circumstance. He is the best in the world at his position.”

Although they operate in vastly different tactical roles, the transformative impact of both Rodri and Messi makes them indispensable pillars for their respective national teams. This elite influence was prominently displayed throughout the 2026 World Cup, where both players elevated Spain and Argentina, ultimately resulting in Rodri claiming the Golden Ball as the tournament’s outstanding player.

De la Fuente also championed the return of more elite Spanish talent to La Liga. “I celebrate the fact that these great footballers are in La Liga, as it elevates the League, allowing the best players in the world—our Spanish footballers—to compete in domestic clubs. I would welcome many of those currently abroad returning here to showcase the capacity, talent, and exceptional footballing class they possess,” he stated candidly.

Pedro Diaz of Rayo Vallecano is challenged by Rodri of Barcelona. (Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Of the starting eleven that featured in the World Cup final against Argentina, seven players spent the previous season in La Liga, while Rodri (Manchester City), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), and Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain) were competing abroad. With Rodri and Cucurella now finalizing their returns to Spain, De la Fuente regards this shift as a powerful testament to the growing strength of La Liga and the national team ecosystem.

De la Fuente on Messi’s Retirement

On Monday, Messi shocked the sports world by announcing his retirement from international duty with Argentina, closing a historic chapter. With his absence confirmed for the upcoming September-October international window, the World Cup final against Spain marks his final competitive appearance in an Albiceleste jersey.

When asked for his perspective on the announcement, De la Fuente clarified that while Messi’s international career has concluded, his overarching impact on the sport remains timeless: “I speak with admiration, knowledge, and gratitude, as someone who, like me, loves football, to a footballing icon who is a legend. Typically, as time passes and someone retires, one becomes better equipped to appreciate their achievements, but that will not happen with Messi.”

While acknowledging Messi’s exhaustive statistical record, De la Fuente stressed that the star will ultimately depart soccer on his own terms rather than fading away. “He will continue in active football; he has left the national team, but he is still going to add to his resume. And when he finally leaves football—which he will do when he chooses—football will not leave him. At that point, we will fully realize the footballing dimension of a player whose numbers will be very difficult for anyone to surpass,” the Spain boss concluded.

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