Pedri speaks with unusual authority on Messi. The pair shared the Barcelona dressing room during the 2020-21 season, giving the Spain midfielder a close view of the Argentine’s habits and preparation.
“Tive a sorte de jogar e treinar com Messi e aproveitei muito. Aprendi muito com ele, e agora gosto ainda mais de vê-lo jogar”, Pedri said.
That experience appears to have shaped Pedri’s understanding of space. Messi’s greatest threat is often created before he receives the ball: a movement away from pressure, a quick glance over his shoulder and a perfectly timed arrival between defenders.
For Spain, the task against Uruguay will be less about chasing Messi and more about controlling the areas he wants to occupy. Their possession-based style can limit his involvement, but loose passes or slow defensive transitions could offer the openings he needs.
Uruguay’s approach will also matter. If they can remain compact and release the ball quickly, Spain may be forced to defend deeper than they prefer. That would increase the importance of Pedri’s control in midfield and Spain’s ability to recover possession immediately.
The report portrays Pedri as one of Spain’s central reference points, making his duel with Messi an intriguing subplot. He is not expected to imitate the Argentine, but Spain will need his calmness, awareness and ability to play through pressure.
“O que ele está fazendo na idade que tem agora, acho que só ele pode fazer”, Pedri added.
The Uruguay fixture will test whether Spain can impose their identity against a player who continues to bend matches around himself. Their response may define the next stage of this World Cup campaign.