Raya’s SpongeBob tease highlights Merino’s World Cup black eye

While Arsenal’s preseason buzzes with new arrivals, midfielder Mikel Merino walked into the locker room on Sunday sporting a fresh black eye from Spain’s World Cup final, a souvenir of the 1‑0 win over Argentina, and goalkeeper David Raya instantly turned the injury into a SpongeBob‑themed Instagram tease.

Merino had already etched his name into the tournament by scoring the winning goals in both the round‑of‑16 and the quarter‑finals. In the final, his substitute appearance created several problems for Argentina, including a near‑miss header and a block of Lionel Messi’s shot with his face, as Spain secured the 1‑0 victory.

During the celebrations his right eye began to swell, and by the time he reached the dressing room it had turned into a full black eye. He posted a picture on Instagram holding a cold drink to the injured eye for relief.

When Merino came on, cash out became essential for Spain

Goalkeeper David Raya replied to Merino’s Instagram post with a SpongeBob‑themed image of SpongeBob Squarepants sporting a black eye. The tease showed no mercy, playfully mocking his Arsenal teammate.

Raya and fellow Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, also members of Spain’s victorious squad, will now begin a post‑tournament summer holiday. The trio are expected to enjoy at least three weeks off.

The swelling should have subsided by the time Arsenal can call on Merino again, and some suggest he might appear in Spain’s parade photos sporting an eye patch. The episode adds a light‑hearted footnote to the aftermath of Spain’s World Cup triumph and to Arsenal’s preseason preparations.