Facing Messi in a World Cup final was the match he had always dreamed of playing as a child

Lionel Messi has inspired millions of football fans around the world. For Spain's young defender Pau Cubarsí, he was more than a football legend—he was the player he dreamed of meeting one day.

That dream came true on July 19, when Spain faced Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New York. Spain won 1-0 after extra time to lift the World Cup, and 19-year-old Cubarsí was named the tournament's Best Young Player.

After the match, Cubarsí spoke about finally meeting his childhood hero.

He said, "I'd never seen him face to face before. When he came to greet me, that's when I believed it was real, that we were really here. It's a huge privilege to share the field with him. He's my idol and it makes me sad that he lost, but I'm happy about our victory."

Before the final, Cubarsí had said that facing Messi in a World Cup final was the match he had always dreamed of playing as a child. Like Messi, he also came through Barcelona's famous La Masia academy, making the moment even more special.

Although Spain celebrated becoming world champions, Cubarsí admitted he felt sad to see his idol lose. At the same time, he was proud to help his country win football's biggest prize.

While Rodri won the tournament's Golden Ball as the best player, Cubarsí received the Best Young Player award. For the 19-year-old defender, winning the World Cup while sharing the field with his childhood hero made the moment unforgettable.

#spain #argentina #worldcup2026 #fifaworldcup

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