Pedri losing his starting spot in Spain’s lineup during the 2026 World Cup took many by surprise, including Barcelona icon Andres Iniesta. The midfielder began the tournament in the starting eleven but was replaced by Fabian Ruiz in the crucial quarterfinal and semifinal matches.
Iniesta expressed on Cadena SER that it was unexpected to see Pedri benched, considering his importance and performances leading into the tournament. Nevertheless, he emphasized that World Cup tournaments are short and intense, where the coach must make decisions based on form, opponents, and tactical plans. Iniesta also highlighted the wide range of options available to Spain’s coach, underscoring the importance of team unity.
He explained that Pedri’s role for the national team differs from his club play due to stylistic and structural differences between Barcelona and Spain, and noted that Pedri is flexible to operate in various positions as the manager sees fit.
Looking ahead to the final against Argentina and facing Lionel Messi, Iniesta advised Spain not to fixate solely on stopping Messi in order to avoid losing their own identity. He stated that Spain must remain true to their style and rely on their collective talent to control the match.
Praising the current Spain squad, Iniesta remarked on the team’s high quality and cohesion as vital reasons for their success. He also acknowledged Messi’s enduring impact as a decisive player, saying, “Leo is capable of anything, and his teammates are fully committed to him.”
