Pau Cubarsi talks Aymeric Laporte, Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi: ‘Can imagine him playing alongside me’

Pau Cubarsi talks Aymeric Laporte, Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi: ‘Can imagine him playing alongside me’ Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi is preparing for the biggest match of his young career, with the teenager set to become the second-youngest centre-back ever to start a FIFA World Cup final.  Ahead of Spain’s showdown with Argentina, the 19-year-old reflected on his growing partnership with Aymeric Laporte, the challenge posed by Julian Alvarez and the opportunity to share the pitch with his childhood idol, Lionel Messi. Cubarsi has been one of Spain’s standout performers throughout the tournament, forming an impressive central defensive partnership with Laporte.  Their understanding has played a major role in La Roja’s run to the final and has further strengthened Barcelona defender’s reputation as one of world football’s brightest young talents. Cubarsi hails Laporte partnership amid Barcelona links Speaking to TV3 (h/t Mundo Deportivo ), Cubarsi explained how comfortable he has felt alongside the experienced defender during Spain’s World Cup campaign. “The World Cup has been the first major tournament in which we’ve both been in the starting line-up. I’ve felt very comfortable.  “We’ve both felt very comfortable. We help each other, we instil confidence in one another and we make ourselves strong so that we concede as few goals as possible. We’re doing well.” Cubarsi and Laporte have been rock solid for Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The Barcelona youngster also acknowledged the similarities between Laporte and his club teammate Inigo Martinez, suggesting he could easily imagine playing with the former Athletic Club defender at Camp Nou. “I’ve already been told that it looks as though it were Inigo (Martínez). They’re both Basque, they play on the left, they have very similar profiles, and they’ve got character.  “I’ve played with him here, so I can imagine him playing alongside me,” he added. Cubarsi highlights Julian Alvarez threat Spain’s defence will face one of its toughest tests against an Argentina attack led by Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez. Cubarsi reserved special praise for the Atletico Madrid striker, who has also been heavily linked with a future move to Barcelona . “He’s a very skilful player who can find space, cut inside, and has a spectacular shot.  Cubarsi has nothing but praise for Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) “You always have to be alert, stay close to him, because he can hurt you at any moment.” Cubarsi fulfils childhood dream by facing Lionel Messi For all the tactical preparation, the emotional highlight for Cubarsi will be sharing the pitch with Lionel Messi. Like many young Barcelona academy graduates, the defender grew up watching the Argentine legend dominate world football at Camp Nou, making Sunday’s final especially meaningful. Speaking about Messi, Cubarsi said: “I used to have shirts with Neymar’s and Piqué’s names on them, but Messi has always been there. “He’s been one of my idols. Both I and all the Barça fans have a very special affection for him.  “To be able to share the pitch with him, at such a young age, is a dream come true,” he concluded.