Pedri on Lionel Messi & his dream World Cup final opponents

Barcelona and Spain starlet Pedri has claimed that he wants to face off against Lionel Messi and Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final.

Spain and Argentina are widely expected to reach the latter stages of the tournament in Qatar this winter, with the latter being unbeaten in 36 games while the former are coached by arguably the most accomplished manager at the tournament (Luis Enrique).

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Speaking to EFE ahead of Spain's first game against Costa Rica in Group E, Pedri said that he is keen to face off against Argentina in the final: “Messi’s Argentina. I would like a Spain – Argentina final at the World Cup. I want to play against Leo, I have never played against him. It would be great.

“Messi used to give us advice on how to be calm during matches. He always told us to feel free on the pitch.

"Messi is the best player I have ever seen. To have had the chance to play with him is an honour. He always had a great attitude towards me and treated me very well from the moment I met him."

Pedri was also asked about Karim Benzema's absence from the tournament after the Real Madrid man left the France camp with an injury on Saturday: “Benzema is a world class player with a lot of quality, especially off the ball. Very few players can do what he does. It’s a blow for football fans that a player like him will miss the World Cup.