Gavi’s message to Joao Cancelo fuels Barcelona return speculation | OneFootball

Eight FC Barcelona players made their way to the quarter-finals of FIFA World Cup 2026 as Spain beat Portugal to advance from the Round of 16 of the competition. One Blaugrana player, Ferran Torres, was crucial in this win, as he provided the assist for the only goal of the game, scored by Mikel Merino in injury time of the second half.

Fans of the Catalan club would definitely be happy with this result, as several of their players continue to fight for the World Cup. However, one aspect that could have soured this moment would be the sad end of the competition for the fullback Joao Cancelo.

In fact, all the Barcelona players in the stadium last night went to greet and console the defender after the full-time whistle. Among these players was also the midfielder Gavi, who, like Joan Garcia and Eric Garcia, did not get to step on the pitch for this game.

As Mundo Deportivo has noted, the midfielder also took to social media to share an image of Cancelo kissing him on the forehead after the two players had embraced, following the end of the game. The Spaniard shared this image with the caption: “Always together, brother”.

While this clearly shows the bond the two players have developed while playing together at Barcelona, this could also have been an indication of the future. As things stand, the Blaugrana club is negotiating with Al-Hilal to re-sign the Portuguese fullback after his half-season loan ended, and a recent report suggested that this operation can be finalized soon.