Spain and Argentina will meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, creating a highly anticipated matchup between Lionel Messi and La Roja’s talented generation. The occasion has also raised an interesting question: Did anyone in Spain’s current World Cup squad previously play alongside Messi?
The answer is yes. Spain midfielder Pedri played with Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona during the 2020–21 season.
Pedri Played Alongside Messi at Barcelona
Pedri joined Barcelona’s first team ahead of the 2020–21 campaign after arriving from Las Palmas. It was also Messi’s final season with the Catalan club before his departure for Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021.
Pedri quickly became an important member of Barcelona’s midfield and developed a strong connection with Messi. The two appeared together regularly in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the Copa del Rey and other competitions.
Barcelona even highlighted their growing on-field relationship during the season, including Pedri’s assist for Messi during a victory over Real Valladolid.
The pair also helped Barcelona win the 2020–21 Copa del Rey, defeating Athletic Club 4–0 in the final. Pedri made 52 official appearances during his debut season, while Messi remained Barcelona’s leading attacking figure.
Did Eric García Play With Lionel Messi?
Eric García is another member of Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad with strong Barcelona connections, but he did not play alongside Messi in an official match for the club.
Barcelona announced García’s return from Manchester City on June 1, 2021. However, he officially joined ahead of the 2021–22 season, and Messi left Barcelona before that campaign began.
Although their contracts may have briefly overlapped during the summer transition, García and Messi were never teammates in a competitive Barcelona match.
Therefore, Eric García should not be considered a former on-field teammate of Messi at the senior club level.
Did Lamine Yamal Ever Play With Messi?
Lamine Yamal did not play with Messi for Barcelona’s first team.
Yamal made his senior Barcelona debut in April 2023, nearly two years after Messi left the club. However, the two have an unusual connection dating back to Yamal’s childhood.
A now-famous photograph shows a young Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal as part of a charity calendar organized by Barcelona and UNICEF in 2007. The photograph resurfaced as Yamal emerged as one of world soccer’s biggest young stars.
Despite that memorable connection, Messi and Yamal have never been club teammates.
Which Other Spain Players Shared a Club With Messi?
Based on Spain’s current 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, Pedri is the clearest confirmed player to have competed alongside Messi in official senior matches.
Several other Spain players have represented Barcelona, but their timelines did not overlap with Messi’s first-team career:
- Lamine Yamal debuted after Messi’s departure.
- Ferran Torres joined Barcelona in January 2022.
- Eric García began playing for Barcelona during the 2021–22 season.
- Dani Olmo returned to Barcelona long after Messi left.
- Alejandro Grimaldo came through Barcelona’s academy but did not make a competitive first-team appearance alongside Messi.
Pedri Could Now Face His Former Teammate
The storyline becomes even more compelling because Spain and Argentina are scheduled to meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Pedri could therefore line up against the player who helped guide him during his first season at Barcelona. Messi, meanwhile, will face a Spain team featuring several members of Barcelona’s new generation.
It will not be the first time Pedri has played against Messi internationally. Spain and Argentina’s World Cup meeting, however, would place the former Barcelona teammates on opposite sides of the sport’s biggest match.
Final Answer
Yes, Pedri is a member of Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad who previously played alongside Lionel Messi.
They were Barcelona teammates during the 2020–21 season and won the Copa del Rey together. Eric García was announced as a Barcelona signing before Messi’s departure but never played with him in an official match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Pedri play with Lionel Messi?
Yes. Pedri and Messi played together for FC Barcelona during the 2020–21 season.
Did Pedri and Messi win a trophy together?
Yes. They helped Barcelona win the 2020–21 Copa del Rey.
Did Eric García play with Messi at Barcelona?
No. García joined Barcelona ahead of the 2021–22 season, after Messi’s final competitive appearance for the club.
Did Lamine Yamal play with Messi?
No. Yamal made his Barcelona first-team debut in 2023, almost two years after Messi left.
When is the Spain vs. Argentina World Cup final?
Spain and Argentina are scheduled to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
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