'Messi a source of pride for La Masia': Barcelona make big statement ahead of final
Barcelona president Joan Laporta highlights the success of the club's La Masia academy as current and former players prepare to face off in the World Cup final. He specifically praises Lionel Messi's legacy and Lamine Yamal's potential as the future of the club.
Why it matters
It underscores the global influence of youth development systems in professional sports and the cultural significance of club-grown talent on the international stage.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes the FIFA 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 New York/New Jersey Stadium, where current and former Barcelona players will feature on both sides. Spain's squad includes eight Barcelona players, while Messi will captain Argentina.The Barcelona president said the club's academy will once again be in focus on football's biggest stage. He added that seeing so many La Masia graduates in a World Cup final reflects the success of the club's youth system, regardless of who wins the trophy.Laporta also spoke about the significance of seeing Messi and Lamine Yamal on opposite sides in the final.
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