Riquelme: 'Spain play the best of them all'

For the 39-year-old, the two best players are Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta: "Messi is the best in the world and Andres, the one who understands the game the best, who sees everything down field that we see sitting in the stand or in the armchair at home. He sees the same... but on the pitch with the ball! Incredible!"

He continued: "They are the best two. I love to watch them play and the only thing I want is for the match to arrive and for people to enjoy and have fun, because that is what football is for".

Analysing the two teams, Riquelme said: "Spain has a marked style, always trying to have more possession than their rival. And Argentina are still looking for a way to play. The World Cup is not far away and [Jorge] Sampaoli is trying to complete his squad still, and then put together a team".

"This match is very good for my country to know at what level it is and if it can compete with the best. I am delighted that Argentina are improving, but the style of Spain has been definted for some time. Argentina is still in that process, to find a team, that is the most difficult thing".

The former midfielder is a big fan of the 2010 World Cup champions: "I am sure that is the World Cup is not won by Argentina, I want Spain to lift the trophy. We are very excited that Messi can bring us the Cup, but football is a game and only one can win. And so, it it's not my country, let it be Spain, the one who plays the best football of them all".