Spain's Pedri talks up Lionel Messi and his ideal World Cup opponents
Spain La Liga (Spain) FIFA World Cup

Pedri, a top player for Barcelona and Spain, has stated his desire to play Argentina's Lionel Messi in the 2022 World Cup final.

This winter's tournament in Qatar is set to include Spain and Argentina, with the latter nation yet to taste defeat in 36 games and the former of which is led by perhaps the competition's most accomplished manager (Luis Enrique).

Spain's match against Costa Rica at the FIFA World Cup will begin on November 23 in Doha. Pedri's team would then play Germany before finishing the group stage against Japan.

In an interview with EFE before Spain's Group E opener against Costa Rica, Pedri expressed his desire to play Argentina in the tournament final match: "Messi's Argentina. A Spain-Argentina World Cup final is what I would like to see. Leo is someone I wish to play against because I have never done so. It would be fantastic”.

“Messi used to offer us guidance on how to maintain composure during games. He always encouraged us to be ourselves on the field”.

"I have never seen a player play like Messi. It is a privilege to have had the opportunity to play alongside him. From the first minute I met him, he always had a positive attitude toward me and treated me extremely nicely."

Messi played with Pedri at Barcelona during the 2020–21 season, which was his the youngster's breakout year.

“The greatest player I have ever seen is Leo Messi. It is a privilege to have had the opportunity to play alongside him. From the first minute I met him, he always had a positive attitude toward me and treated me extremely nicely," he continued.

Pedri has cemented his status as a renowned figure inside the Barcelona team, and he might possibly play a significant role for Spain at the forthcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Pedri broke Miguel Tendillo's previous record by becoming the youngest player to represent Spain at the 2021 EUROs at the age of 18 years, 6 months, and 18 days. One of Spain's most intriguing players at the World Cup in Qatar will surely be Pedri, who is renowned for his awareness, passing, and technical skill.

When asked about Karim Benzema's withdrawal from the competition following the Real Madrid striker's exit from the France camp on Saturday due to an injury, Pedri responded, "Benzema is a world-class player with a lot of quality, especially off the ball. Few athletes are capable of what he accomplishes. Fans of football will be disappointed that he won't be participating in the World Cup.

On November 22, Saudi Arabia will face Argentina in the opening match of Group C. On November 26, Mexico will play the Albiceleste, and Poland will follow four days later. At the right time, Messi is rediscovering his form, and he has finally settled into his position with his country's team.