De la Fuente: "Rodri is the Messi of Spanish football"
The Spain coach called Rodri the best in the world at his position and said the Barcelona transfer will benefit Spanish football.
02.09.2026 19:00 — Spain's national team coach Luis de la Fuente offered high praise for midfielder Rodri, comparing him to one of football's all-time greats and predicting the player's move to Barcelona will benefit the game in Spain.
De la Fuente did not hold back when describing Rodri's importance for Spanish football and for his position. He said the Barcelona signing stands out among contemporaries and called him the best in the world at his role.
Coach's assessment and a broader view
De la Fuente described the new Barcelona midfielder with an emphatic metaphor: "Rodri is the Messi of Spanish football," he said. The selector added that the transfer to Barcelona should strengthen the domestic game by showcasing top-level midfield play.
Alongside his remarks about Rodri, De la Fuente also expressed admiration for Lionel Messi, who has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team: "He is a legendary figure in football. He will retire when he wants, football will not leave him."
De la Fuente's comments underline how national-team figures view club transfers as having potential ripple effects beyond a single squad. By labeling Rodri the leading player in his position, the coach signaled high expectations for the season ahead both for Barcelona and for Spain.
Photo: press material from the event
