The technical work that followed focused on set pieces and finishing, areas where Spain's attention to detail was legendary.

Mateo worked with the goalkeepers on his shooting technique, spent time with the defenders understanding their positioning and communication, and engaged in detailed discussions with the midfielders about timing and movement.

"You have a gift for seeing things before they happen," observed David Silva during a break between drills. "That's not something you can teach that comes from within. But the way you're adapting to our system, the way you're understanding what we need that shows intelligence and maturity."

The session concluded with a full-scale practice match, with Mateo playing in an attacking midfield role alongside some of the most decorated players in world football. The understanding developed quickly, with his movement creating space for others and his vision unlocking defensive structures that had seemed impenetrable.

"Training session analysis: successful integration into team dynamics," the System observed as the players began their cool-down routines. "Technical performance: excellent. Tactical understanding: rapidly developing. Team acceptance: positive across all metrics."

It was as the players were preparing to leave that Del Bosque made an announcement that would resonate far beyond the training ground. Gathering the squad in a circle, he spoke with the gravity that such moments demanded.

"Before we finish today," the coach said, "I want to make an announcement about squad numbers for our upcoming matches. These numbers represent more than just identification; they represent the trust and responsibility that comes with wearing La Roja."

He paused, his eyes scanning the assembled players before settling on Mateo. "Mateo, you will wear number 19. It's a number that has been worn with distinction by players who brought creativity and unpredictability to our attack. I believe you're ready to continue that tradition."

The announcement was met with applause from his teammates, but for Mateo, the significance went far beyond the gesture itself.

Number 19 was the same number he wore at Dortmund, the number that had become synonymous with his breakthrough performances in German football. To wear it for Spain felt like a continuation of his journey rather than a departure from it.

To have the Spain jersey in his hand felt like all he wanted in life was between his hands.

Iniesta was the first to offer congratulations. "That number suits you," he said with a smile. "It's been worn by players who weren't afraid to try things, who understood that football is about more than just following instructions. I think you'll honor it well."

Ramos's perspective was characteristically direct: "Numbers don't make players players make numbers. But 19 has a good history with this team. Now it's your job to add to that history."

The jersey presentation was conducted with the ceremony that such moments deserved. Del Bosque handed Mateo the pristine red shirt with "MATEO 19" printed on the back, the fabric feeling almost sacred in his hands. This wasn't just clothing it was a symbol of belonging, of acceptance, of the trust that had been placed in him by his country.

"Symbolic significance: maximum," the System noted as Mateo held the jersey. "Psychological impact: profound sense of belonging and responsibility. Assessment: subject ready to honor the trust placed in him."

The media obligations that followed were handled with the professionalism that Sarah had perfected over their months of working together. Journalists from across Europe wanted to understand the phenomenon they were witnessing the sixteen-year-old who had earned a place in the world's most successful national team.

"How does it feel to receive number 19 for Spain?" one reporter asked.

Mateo's response as Sarah translated: "It's an incredible honor. This number represents creativity and unpredictability, qualities that I hope to bring to the team. But more than that, it represents the trust that the coach and my teammates have placed in me. I understand the responsibility that comes with it."

When asked about his rapid rise from Barcelona reject to Spanish international, he was diplomatic but honest: "Football is about more than just individual journeys. I'm here because of the support I've received from coaches, teammates, and everyone who believed in me when belief was all they had to offer. This opportunity belongs to all of us."

Del Bosque's assessment in his press conference was measured but optimistic: "Mateo brings qualities that complement our existing strengths. His vision, his creativity, his understanding of space and timing these are attributes that can help us unlock defenses that are well-organized and disciplined. But what impresses me most is his mentality, his willingness to learn and adapt."

The evening meal was a relaxed affair, with players sharing stories and experiences in the informal atmosphere that Del Bosque encouraged. Mateo found himself seated between Silva and Pedro, both of whom had taken it upon themselves to help him understand the subtle dynamics of international football.

"The pressure is different here," Silva explained. "At club level, you have time to build relationships and understanding. With the national team, you have to create that chemistry quickly. But you're already showing that you understand what we need."

Pedro's advice was more specific: "Watch how the experienced players position themselves, how they communicate without words, how they anticipate each other's movements. That's what makes this team special not just individual talent, but collective intelligence."

As the evening wound down and the players began to disperse to their rooms, Mateo felt a contentment that went beyond individual achievement. He had been accepted into one of football's most exclusive families, trusted with a number that carried historical significance, and prepared for a debut that could define his international career.

The phone call to Casa de los Niños was emotional and meaningful, with Sister María Elena's tears of joy audible even through Sarah's translation. Don Carlos's pride was evident in every word he spoke, and Elena's excitement was infectious as she described the viewing party they were planning for the Finland match.

Don Carlos said, his voice thick with emotion, "This is what we always knew was possible. Tell him that every child in this house will be watching, that we believe in him, and that he carries our dreams with him onto that pitch."

"Emotional support system fully engaged," the System observed as the call concluded. "Psychological foundation: solid. Confidence levels: optimal. Assessment: subject prepared for international debut with strong support network."

As Mateo lay in his hotel bed that night, staring at the Spanish jersey hanging in his wardrobe, he reflected on the journey that had brought him to this point. From the silent boy in the courtyard of Casa de los Niños to a Spanish international wearing number 19 it was a path that had seemed impossible just months earlier.

Tomorrow would bring the flight to Helsinki, the final preparations for his international debut, and the opportunity to prove that his selection hadn't been premature. But tonight, in the quiet of his Madrid hotel room, surrounded by the warmth of a new family that had embraced him without reservation, Mateo Álvarez was exactly where he belonged.

The boy who had been told he wasn't marketable enough for modern football was about to represent his country on the world stage, wearing a number that symbolized creativity and unpredictability.

And as he drifted off to sleep, his last conscious thought was of the people who had made this moment possible the coaches who had believed, the teammates who had supported, and the family at Casa de los Niños who had never stopped dreaming of this day.

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