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.
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"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."
