Rodri: "Our ambition couldn't be higher"

Spain captain Rodri faced the media with just two days to go until the FIFA World Cup final. FIFA chose the iconic Javits Center, on Manhattan's Eleventh Avenue, as the venue where the captains and head coaches of both finalists looked ahead to Sunday's showpiece.

On the atmosphere

"The support will be important, but matches are won on the pitch. We've felt the backing of the Spanish fans throughout the tournament and we're confident they'll be right behind us again. We'll give absolutely everything."

On Spain's winning cycle

"We've been through a process of growth and maturity. I said a while ago that this generation would make people sit up and take notice, and we always believed this was the path to the biggest prize of all – lifting the World Cup. But our ambition couldn't be higher. On Sunday, we have the chance to make this generation unforgettable."

On destiny

"Our goal from day one was to win the World Cup. We believed we were capable of doing it. Now we're facing the toughest opponent possible, and it's the perfect test to see if we're ready to lift the trophy. We have to want to win more than we fear losing."

On Lionel Messi

"For me, he's the greatest player of all time. He's led his country and guided them to World Cup glory in Qatar. But Argentina are much more than one player. I believe these are the two teams playing the best football in the tournament."

On being captain

"Being captain is another step in my leadership role. I've learned so much from the captains who came before me, and we've continued to grow since the Euros. I think we're a very mature team and a difficult one to beat."

On Argentina

"Reaching back-to-back World Cup finals is a remarkable achievement. They're the team everyone wants to beat and the side that's been in the best form over the past few years. They've shown they can come back from difficult situations, and that says everything about their competitive character."