Pique roots for Spain, but will be ‘happy for Messi’ if Argentina win

Former Barcelona and Spain international Gerard Pique said he is backing Spain in Sunday's World Cup final — but admits an Argentina win wouldn't hurt either, given who wears their No. 10 shirt.

"I hope Spain wins, but if Argentina wins, I'll also be happy for Messi," Piqué told AS, referencing his former Barcelona teammate.

The 2010 World Cup winner also praised Luis de la Fuente's side, calling their collective football the best on show at this tournament, ahead of Sunday's final against Lionel Scaloni's Argentina.

“In football, the best team doesn't always win, nor does the team people consider the best. It's also necessary to ask what it means to play well, because that depends on each person's preferred style. For many, France, because of its players, is the best, and look where it is now. But, as a team, Spain is the best.”

Still, Piqué named Messi as Spain's biggest threat. He said the Argentine's game-reading and instinct for space, not raw pace, still make him decisive at this stage of his career.

“Messi has many qualities, and one of them is intelligence. He knows that physically he's no longer 25 years old, but he perfectly understands the positions where he can cause damage. His talent is innate and unique. It doesn't matter if you put one, two, or three players to stop him. He always finds a solution.”