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Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will show the strength of La Masia, with club legends and rising stars on opposite sides. He praised Lionel Messi’s legacy and backed Lamine Yamal as the future, insisting Barcelona’s identity will be at the heart of the masterpiece.
The Masía takes center stage
Laporta is in New York ahead of the World Cup final at New York/New Jersey Stadium, where Argentina and Spain will meet with several current and former Blaugrana players involved. Spain’s squad includes eight Barcelona players, while Messi captains Argentina.
Laporta said the club’s influence will be evident throughout the final and described the occasion as another demonstration of La Masia’s ability to produce elite talent. He also highlighted the importance of seeing Barcelona’s youth players compete on football’s biggest international stage, regardless of which team lifts the trophy.
Messi and Yamal: a passing of the torch
Laporta reflected on the importance of seeing Messi and Yamal lead opposite sides in the final. While he praised Messi’s extraordinary contribution to Barcelona, he also pointed to Yamal as the club’s next great flag bearer.
“Messi has also reached the final and I am delighted,” said Laporta RAC1. “It is a source of pride for La Masia. Messi is the past and the present, and Lamine (Yamal) is the present and the future. We are very happy to have Barça’s genuine playing style.
“As president, I am proud to have developed these two players at home, and if we add Joan García, Eric García, [Pau] Cubarsi, who is having a spectacular World Cup, [Dani] Olmo, Gavi, Pedri, Ferrán [Torres]… It’s spectacular.”
Barcelona’s influence remains clear
Laporta sees the final as further proof of Barcelona’s continued success in producing world-class talent through La Masia. With so many current players representing Spain and Messi leading Argentina, he believes the club’s football philosophy remains influential at the highest level.
He also praised Barcelona’s current squad, saying: “We are very proud of the eight players we have. It is very important for them and, as president, I am very satisfied and grateful to have such talented players.”
“At the national team level, it is the best game that can be played, with different styles, and the referee will have to leave his mark. Argentina is more aggressive, and the Spanish team plays more cohesively, with a style of play more similar to that of Barça. Barça is the best there is and everyone recognizes it.”
The biggest stage awaits you
Argentina and Spain will meet in the World Cup final with Barcelona strongly represented on both sides. The match will not only decide the world champions, but will also provide another opportunity for La Masia graduates, from Messi to Yamal and Barcelona’s current Spanish contingent, to make their mark on football’s biggest stage.
