The Spaniard Pau Cubarsí (19 years old) will become, on Sunday, the second youngest defender in history to play in a World Cup final, after the Italian Giuseppe Bergomi.

Cubarsí has formed a distinctive defensive duo alongside Aymeric Laporte, the 32-year-old Athletic Bilbao defender, becoming together a defensive wall that is difficult to breach.

The newspaper Mundo Deportivo published Cubarsí's statements during an interview with TV3, in which he praised Laporte, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona.

Cubarsí said: 'The World Cup is the first major tournament we have played together in the starting lineup. I felt very comfortable alongside him, and I think we both felt very comfortable.'

He added: 'I have already been told that Laporte resembles Íñigo Martínez. Both are from the Basque region, play on the left side of defense, and have similar characteristics and strong personalities. I have played alongside Íñigo here, so I can imagine myself playing alongside Laporte as well.'

Regarding the anticipated confrontation against Julián Álvarez, he commented: 'He is a very skillful player, able to move into spaces, can also drop deep to receive the ball, and has amazing shots. You always have to be alert and close to him, because he can hurt you at any moment.'

As for facing Lionel Messi, Cubarsí expressed his great admiration for the Argentine star, saying: 'I had shirts with the names of Neymar and Piqué, but Messi was always present, and he was one of my most prominent idols.'

He noted: 'I, and all Barcelona fans, have very special feelings for Lionel Messi. Being able to share the pitch with him at this age is a dream come true for me.'