Gavi sends message to Joao Cancelo after Portugal’s World Cup loss to Spain: ‘Always together’ | OneFootball

Spain booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought victory over Portugal in the Round of 16 last night, a result settled by a dramatic late goal.

Mikel Merino struck in the 91st minute, converting an assist from Barcelona firward Ferran Torres, to break Portuguese hearts and send La Roja through.

But as Spain celebrated, it was a heartbreaking moment for the Portuguese, including the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo as well as Joao Cancelo, who spent the second half of the last season on loan at Barça.

Gavi’s message to Cancelo

After the final whistle, the Barcelona contingent in the Spain squad made a point of consoling Cancelo, their ex-teammate at club level, who had been substituted in the 71st minute.

Gavi’s message to Cancelo. (Source: Instagram)

The full-back was left standing alone on a section of the AT&T Stadium pitch in Dallas, and one by one his Barcelona teammates approached him as a mark of respect.

Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Pedri, Dani Olmo and Pau Cubarsi, who is notably yet to concede a goal in this tournament, were joined by those who had remained on the bench, including Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia and Gavi.

Gavi later took to social media to share a message to Cancelo, stating, “Always together, brother.”

What’s next for Cancelo?

Cancelo is closing in on Barcelona move. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

It is no secret that Barcelona are keen on prolonging Cancelo’s stay at Camp Nou, especially after the defender impressed during his short loan spell during the second half of last season.

If anything, Portugal’s elimination from the Round of 16 stage should accelerate Barcelona’s deal to sign the right-back.

Cancelo, for his part, has been pushing for a move to Barcelona all summer, hoping that Al Hilal would allow him to rejoin the Catalan camp in the summer.

Barça themselves have made some key strides and are closing in on the capture of the right-back, whose addition could go a long way in solidifying the club’s fullback department.