Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino says he and Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez face a similar situation ahead of the World Cup final. Speaking ahead of the match, Merino notes that neither player considers a bench role an ideal plan for any tournament game. Both outlets describe Merino’s comments as a way of relating to Lautaro’s perspective, given the uncertainty that can surround team selection in high-stakes matches. The reports frame the remarks as personal and reflective rather than tactical, focusing on the shared experience of wanting to be part of the starting lineup. Neither account indicates that Merino or Lautaro makes specific predictions about their own roles in the final. Instead, the emphasis remains on the general principle that being selected to start is the preferred outcome for players, even as coaches decide lineups close to kickoff.