Porto dismisses fear of Messi: ‘It’s not fear, respect’ ahead of World Cup Final

Spain defender Pedro Porro has brushed aside suggestions that La Roja are afraid of Lionel Messi ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final, insisting there is only “mutual respect” between the two sides.

“No, it’s not fear, it’s respect,” the Tottenham right-back told Spanish radio station COPE. “We know they have great players, but if you ask them, they would say the same about us. There is no fear from either side, only mutual respect, and I think we will watch a great match between both teams”.

Porro, 26, has been one of Spain’s breakout stars of the tournament. He has started five of Spain’s seven matches, logging 444 minutes and scoring twice – against Austria in the round of 32 and in the 2-0 semi-final victory over France. His semi-final display earned him Player of the Match honours, having won 70% of his duels and made six crucial interceptions.

When asked about the challenge of stopping the 39-year-old Argentine, Porro did not hold back. “I would say it’s impossible,” he admitted. “He is the best of all time”.

However, the Extremadura native stressed that Spain would not alter their approach. “We have to focus more on ourselves,” he said. “Against France, that was the key – countering their strengths – and we will try to do the same against Argentina”.

Porro also dismissed the notion of being intimidated by facing a megastar. “It doesn’t impose [fear],” he said. “You have to be focused on us. They must also be thinking about countering our strengths because of the things we are doing well”.

The defender also downplayed concerns over a minor muscle strain that saw him train separately on Thursday. “I’m fine, I’m better. Yesterday was a day to recover after a great effort – a semi-final with a lot of sprinting,” he said. “I thought I had broken something during the match, but I’m fine. I know my body perfectly”.

Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium kicks off at 3pm ET. Spain are seeking their second World Cup title, while Argentina aim to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.

For Porro, the message is clear: respect for Messi, but fear for no one.