Spain national team forward Mikel Oyarzabal praised Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on Sunday, July 5, 2026, ahead of the upcoming World Cup round of 16 match against Portugal.
The Real Sociedad captain discussed the longevity of the veteran superstars and reflected on Spain's tournament progress.
"They are unique players.
It is difficult, very very difficult, not to say impossible, to replicate what they are doing, both him and Messi, and Memo Ochoa, who has also had the opportunity to play," Oyarzabal said.
"I think it is something that perhaps is not valued enough.
Because there is always the performance and the desire to get the maximum benefit from what one does.
But the simple fact of being here at those ages and competing at the level they are competing is already an achievement."
Focus on Own Game
Oyarzabal expressed the need for the Spanish squad to focus on maintaining their tactical consistency rather than looking for a secret formula to defeat their Iberian rivals.
"I wish we had the key to just put it in and win the match.
We will try to prepare the match in the best way, analyze them, watch videos and see what we can do," he said.
"I think we have to focus on ourselves, on our game, on trying to replicate a bit what we did the other day and give continuity to that, because the sensations were very good and we will be closer to winning with that."
The forward also addressed the changing perceptions of Spain's performance in the tournament, noting that critics adjusted their views after Cape Verde pushed Argentina into extra time.
"I think some people got a scare after seeing that match. Some of those who said things to us back then have surely been put in their place.
We have seen that here nobody gives anything away, everyone makes things very difficult," Oyarzabal said.
He emphasized that international football has become increasingly competitive, with extensive tactical analysis narrowing the gap between teams.
"There have been teams that have gone to extra time, that have gone to penalty shootouts to advance, some that are at home...
Here nobody gives anything away and day-to-day football is becoming more and more difficult," he said.
Oyarzabal credited Cape Verde for their resilience, highlighting that the African side did not lose a single match during regular regulation time.
"They have not lost a single match in 90 minutes against the four teams they have played. They only fell to Argentina in extra time.
Nowadays football is becoming much more equal.
Everyone analyzes everything, everyone sees everything, knows what you are going to do, what you are going to prepare...
Everything is much more equal, much more competitive and nobody gives up anything."
Regarding Spain's status as a tournament favorite, the striker welcomed the fans' enthusiasm but urged caution moving forward.
"That enthusiasm, that perception, I think is positive, good. Because it speaks of people trusting, people believing and seeing that they are doing things well.
We have to keep our feet on the ground and be aware that it is very difficult; we are talking about a World Cup and, hopefully, we will be lucky enough to keep advancing, but it is very difficult," Oyarzabal said.
Beyond the pitch, Oyarzabal and Ronaldo share an unexpected connection to the Aragonese Pyrenees city of Jaca.
Oyarzabal's family owns a secondary residence in Jaca where the player frequently seeks quiet relaxation away from media attention, a town that also served as the childhood home of Ronaldo's fiancée, Georgina Rodriguez.
