Pau Cubarsi reveals the Barcelona legend he still turns to for advice | OneFootball

Following the end of the 2025-26 season, the FC Barcelona training facilities are quite empty. Hansi Flick is set to call his players back for training on 13th July, and before that the players who have been called up by their national teams for the World Cup would be playing in that competition, while the rest of the players would be enjoying a well-deserved rest.

The defender Pau Cubarsi is among the players who would be playing in the World Cup, as despite being only 19 years of age, he has been called up by Luis de la Fuente for the World Cup. This would be his second major tournament after having been called up for UEFA EURO 2024.

Currently waiting to play his side’s first game of the tournament, against Cape Verde on Monday, the center-back appeared in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, in which he talked about several players, current and former, associated with the Blaugrana club.

When asked if he had seen Iniesta’s goal in the final of the World Cup 2012, Cubarsi replied:

“I don’t remember it. I have seen it in highlights, though.”

However, he remembered Puyol’s goal in the semi-finals, and wanted to repeat his idol’s feat:

“If I could do that, it would be magnificent. First of all, because it would mean we had reached the semifinals, which would be fantastic. And if I could also help the team in that way, it would be spectacular.”

The young defender also revealed that he remains in frequent contact with Puyol:

“I haven’t spoken directly with him before the World Cup, but I have spoken with him before. We’ve been in contact from time to time, and he’s someone I can count on. He helps me a lot.”

When asked if he has imagined himself playing against another Barcelona legend, Lionel Messi, he replied:

“Yes, I’ve imagined it. He has been my idol since childhood. I’ve never been able to see him in person, nor on the pitch. I would have preferred to play with him on my team, but if he’s in front of me, I’ll give my maximum and try to defend against him as well as possible.”

The youngster was also asked about Julian Alvarez, who continues to be linked with the Blaugrana club, but while praising him, refrained from making any marked comments about him:

“He is a spectacular player, as I’ve already said. We all know the quality he has. There are a lot of rumors every summer, but I’m focusing on the players we have now: Ferran and Gordon, who has just joined.”

On the other hand, he spoke highly of Anthony Gordon, who has already signed for the Catalan side:

“He’s very good. He’s a player I’ve watched quite a lot and studied because we played against him this season. He’s a very versatile forward who attacks space extremely well. He’s also a player who is committed to the team, and I really like that.”

In this interview, Pau Cubarsi talked at some length about the Spanish national team and the World Cup. Hopefully, he would continue to perform for his national side as he done for Barcelona in the last few years, and help his team once again win the top international competition.