‘Messi is a source of pride for La Masia’: Barcelona president Joan Laporta makes big statement ahead of Argentina vs Spain final

Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will be another example of La Masia’s influence on world football, with Lionel Messi leading Argentina and several Barcelona players representing Spain.Laporta is in New York ahead of Sunday’s final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, which will feature current and former Barcelona players on both sides. Spain’s squad includes eight Barcelona players, while Messi will captain Argentina.Barcelona’s president said the club’s academy will once again focus on football’s biggest stage. He added that seeing so many La Masia graduates in the World Cup final reflects the success of the club’s youth system regardless of who wins the trophy.Laporta also spoke about the importance of seeing Messi and Lamine Yamal on opposite sides in the final. While praising Messi’s contribution to Barcelona over the years, he described Yamal as a player who will take the club forward.“Messi has also reached the final and I’m delighted,” Laporta told RAC1. “He 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 what is the true style of play of Barca.“As president, I am proud to have developed these two players at home and when we add Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, (Pau) Cubarsi who is having a spectacular World Cup, (Dani) Olmo, Gavi, Pedri, Ferran (Torres)… It is spectacular.”Barcelona will have a strong presence in the final, with both teams featuring academy graduates and first team players.The title clash between Argentina and Spain will not only decide the next world champions, but will also provide the next stage for La Masia products, from Messi to Yamal and Barcelona’s Spanish contingent, to make their mark in international football.