Porro: My dad hit me harder than when I broke my leg climbing a wall for a ball as a kid

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, Spanish defender Porro was interviewed by COPE reporters.

Juanma Castaño: Hello, Pedro, how are you?

Pedro Porro: Hello, hello.

Welcome to "El Partidazo". We have a good relationship with the Porro family, we know the Porro family well.

I've seen it, I've seen it. My mother has been interviewed a few times before. Honestly, as you know, she is a very charming person, and I hope to bring her some joy.

Your whole family is very emotional, right? Are you like that too? Very easily moved?

Yes, I think that's how our whole family is. If you talk to my grandparents and parents, you'll see that too. My father isn't the most expressive person, but my mother does get easily emotional.

How is the little one? He couldn't go to the semi-final in person.

Much better, he's recovering well now. I just talked to my wife. Yes, of course (he has tickets for the final). I talked to my wife, he's much better now.

How about yourself? Your training intensity was lower yesterday, but it should be fine, right?

No, no, I'm in good shape. Yesterday was also...

If you really had a problem, you probably wouldn't say anything.

No, of course not. But I still have to say that things are only truly good when they are done well. In fact, I'm much better now, in very, very good shape. Yesterday was also for recovery, because the semi-final against France was very demanding, with a lot of sprints and a lot of running, so I feel good now and I'm very happy.

Actually, I was scared yesterday. I thought you were injured, maybe even seriously.

I thought so too.

You thought so too?

Yes, I did think so during the game. But then it turned out to be just a bit of swelling, nothing serious.

When you realize you might not be able to play in the final, what's the first thing that comes to mind?

I just felt something wasn't right at the time. I know my body very well, so I immediately told the coach. Luckily, we have excellent players like Marcos Llorente, who replaced me for the last 10 minutes. I'm really happy to be like this now.

How do you feel now? Are these the best days of your life? Suddenly, all of Spain is supporting you, everyone is talking about Pedro Porro.

Yes, honestly, it even exceeded my wildest imagination, as I said before. All I can do now is work hard, work hard, and work even harder, there's no other way.

No, no, let's not talk about that for now. Don't give those standard answers like "work hard, work hard" that players always say. What are your true feelings right now?

Juanma, this is reality.

I know it's reality, but you must also be thinking, "My God, what am I experiencing?" Do you have time to realize everything you're going through?

Yes, of course. Because, you know, it was very difficult to get into this national team before. I had to do a lot of things to continue competing at the highest level and get called up to the national team again. This path was not easy, which is why I always say to work hard. Getting into the national team and integrating into a team that already has a mature system of players is not an easy task.

Do you have time to accept all this affection from outside? Do you read messages?

I don't look at anything. Right now, my attention is focused on the national team, my family, my child, and my wife. I don't want to look at anything because it might affect your thoughts. It's not about losing yourself, it's just that you can't focus on what's truly important, and there's something more important right now.

How will you prepare for this final? Will it be like against Belgium, Austria, Portugal, or France?

The same. It was the same when I didn't start my first game against Cape Verde, and it was the same against Uruguay. I have my habits, and these things can't change. Especially strength training, preventive training, stretching, and some long-term training schedules.

Do you sleep well?

Very well, I sleep very comfortably. The night before a game, I'll have physiotherapy, watch a movie, relax, and then get a good rest. The last person I always contact is my wife, to tell her how I am and confirm that everything is fine at home. If you know there are no problems at home, you step onto the pitch in a completely different state.

Have you watched many Argentina games?

Yes, I won't lie to you. I love football very much, and I watched the entire FIFA World Cup.

How do you think they will play? Will they make it very physical for you?

I don't think so. Argentina has many high-level players, many of whom play in Europe and the Premier League. It will be a very intense match from beginning to end.

If you were the coach, would you devise some special plans to limit Messi? Is that even possible?

I think it's very difficult, if not impossible. It's more important for us to focus on ourselves. It was the same against France; we focused more on limiting their strengths while playing to our own. We will do the same against Argentina.

In your opinion, is Messi the greatest of all time?

I think so. After all, when a player has Messi's status throughout his career and achieves everything he has, I think the answer is yes.

Argentine fans might make up 90% of the crowd, will you be a little scared of that atmosphere?

No, I won't. Once I step onto the field, I can't hear anything from outside. Whether it's home or away, it's the same for me, I'll do the same things.

Miguelito (another reporter): Hello, Pedro. I want to tell you something you must be familiar with: "Look far ahead, walk with firm steps, and keep fighting."

Yes, that's what my grandfather always says. My grandfather always wanted to guide me on the right path. He was one of the people who spent the most time with me growing up. The other day after the game, he called me: "How are you? I saw you were amazing." I used to go fishing with him a lot when I was little, and we always had this little competition between us.

Miguelito: Tell me a story that reflects the unity of this team.

Juanma Castaño: I have one. The other day after you scored, all the substitute players were the first to rush over and hug you.

Porro: Yes, but I also want to say something. In the game against Uruguay, when Marcos Llorente made an assist, I was also the first one to rush out and hug him.

Helena (another reporter): Xabi Alonso said that this team has some similarities to the 2010 Spain team. What touches you the most about this team?

The family atmosphere here. From day one, you can feel this unity. I didn't participate in the European Championship, but if I had to choose, I would say what I cherish most is this unity, because it is unique.

Miguelito: Is it easy to communicate with Yamal when defending or overlapping?

It's easy. Of course, it's easier after playing 10 games with him, but at first, you have to understand what he needs at every moment. What surprises me most about him is his maturity at 19 years old, and his humility. He's a very good kid.

Juanma Castaño: Did any famous people bathe you when you were little? (Teasing about the photo of Messi and Yamal)

Yes, my grandfather.

Juanma Castaño: Your mom said you were very mischievous when you were little, but I see you're quite calm now.

I was indeed naughtier when I was little. I often got into trouble as a child. Once in Extremadura, my ball fell into the next villa. I climbed the wall to get the ball, and the wall collapsed, breaking my fibula. I was about 10 or 11 years old then. Honestly, my dad hitting me hurt more than the wall falling on me.

Juanma Castaño: I hope your fibula works properly the day after tomorrow. Good luck, Pedro!

Thank you very much.

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