Barcelona star Pedri waxes lyrical over Vitinha, dreams of World Cup final vs Messi: ‘That would be top’

Barcelona star Pedri waxes lyrical over Vitinha, dreams of World Cup final vs Messi: ‘That would be top’ Spain are set to take on Portugal in the FIFA 2026 World Cup Round of 16 in what promises to be an absolute cracker of a game, at least on paper. The game throws up a number of player battles, like Lamine Yamal vs Nuno Mendes and Pedri vs Vitinha, which are small subplots in the larger scheme of things. If Spain are to have a good game against their neighbouring nation, they will need the Barcelona midfield star at his very best. In an interview with AS , Pedri highlighted Hansi Flick’s influence at Barcelona, while also praising Vitinha and Lionel Messi. Flick’s impact The Barcelona midfielder explained how Flick has helped him feel more involved in the game. He said: “Above all, he started putting me at the base of the play so that I could be in contact with the ball.” Pedri has hailed Flick’s influence on him and Barcelona. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) That line explains why Pedri has looked so influential under Flick. He is not being used as a player waiting between the lines. He is being trusted to organise, receive, turn and connect the team from deeper areas. Pedri also admitted that Luis Enrique had asked him for similar movements in the past, but Flick’s change felt more direct at Barcelona. He said: “It is true that, for example, Luis Enrique also asked me to drop deep a lot, to touch the ball and feel comfortable there. But Flick changed my position on the pitch and, above all, he transmitted to us the mentality of winning, of competing.” Then came the strongest praise: “That is what he has changed, and he has transformed the mentality of the team. We have to thank him, he has changed Barça’s mentality.” Messi still the greatest Pedri was also asked about Lionel Messi’s World Cup, and whether he would dream of facing him in a final. He said: “That dream would be top because it would mean we are in the World Cup final. It would be a good sign.” Pedri enjoying Messi’s World Cup exploits. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) He then spoke warmly about his former Barcelona teammate: “I am enjoying him. I already enjoyed him when I trained with him every day. What he is doing is crazy.” “The things he is doing at his age can only be done with the quality he has. For me, he is the best player in history.” Pedri waxes lyrical about Vitinha Pedri also praised PSG superstar Vitinha ahead of Spain’s meeting with Portugal, calling him one of the best midfielders in the world. He said: “Vitinha is top, especially in his control of the ball and how he manages the tempo of the match. When I have faced him, I was surprised by how much he runs, he is never still.” “He always gives the pass to the free teammate and, as I say, he is top. One of the best midfielders in the world.” Pedri and Vitinha are often dragged into conversations about who the best midfielder in the world is, and it is nice to see contemporaries be so glowing in praise for one another. The Barça midfield star will want to put in a clinic to beat Portugal in the upcoming World Cup, and it remains to be seen whether Spain can get past Vitinha and company to secure a berth in the quarter-finals.