Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes the club will be at the heart of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as Spain prepare to face Argentina in New York.
With eight Barcelona players included in Luis de la Fuente’s squad, the Blaugrana chief says the occasion is a reminder of the club’s influence on the biggest stage in international football.
The latest Barcelona news has centred around the club’s remarkable representation in the Spain squad, with several first-team stars expected to play key roles in Sunday’s final.
On that note, Laporta travelled to New York to support La Roja and spoke proudly about Barcelona’s contribution ahead of one of the most anticipated matches of the year.
Laporta highlights Barcelona’s influence
Speaking before the Spain vs Argentina World Cup final, Laporta stressed how significant it is for FC Barcelona to have so many players involved in the biggest match in international football.
“We are very proud of the eight players we have. It is very important for them and, as president, I am very pleased and grateful to have such talented players.
“At international level, it’s the best match you can play, with different styles, and the referee will have to take charge.
“Argentina are more aggressive, whilst the Spanish team play more as a unit, with a style of play more like Barça’s. Barça are the best there is, and everyone recognises that.”
With players developed in the club’s system continuing to feature prominently for the national team, Laporta sees the World Cup final as a showcase of Barcelona’s football philosophy.
Laporta praises Messi, Lamine Yamal and Deco
Alongside Spain’s impressive Barcelona contingent, Laporta also welcomed the fact that Lionel Messi will once again appear in a World Cup final, setting up a meeting with several current Barcelona players.
Reflecting on Messi’s legacy and Lamine Yamal’s rise, Laporta said,
“Messi has also reached the final and I’m delighted. He’s the pride of La Masia. Messi represents the past and the present, whilst Lamine represents the present and the future.
“We’re very happy to have what is the genuine Barça way of playing.
“As president, I’m proud to have developed these two players at home, and if we add that we have Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Cubarsi – who’s having a spectacular World Cup – Olmo, Gavi, Pedri, Ferran… It’s spectacular.”
Deco’s work is appreciated
The Barcelona president also reserved special praise for sporting director Deco, highlighting his work in the transfer market and the club’s recruitment strategy.
Laporta added, “Deco works very well – consistently, efficiently and discreetly – as he has shown with Adeyemi.
“We saw that with Gordon too. He scored (in the semi-final against Argentina) from a well-timed run.
“He’s very quick, hard-working and presses well, and we’re happy with Deco’s work.
“Plan Bs? They’re alternatives. The director of football never stops, and there are various options; he must choose the most suitable one,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
The post Joan Laporta talks Messi, Lamine, Deco, La Masia ahead of FIFA World Cup final: ‘We are very proud’ appeared first on Barca Universal.
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