Juan Laporta, president of Barcelona, expressed his great pride in having 8 players from the Catalan team in the 2026 World Cup final, which brings together Spain and Argentina, emphasizing that the match is a source of pride for the 'La Masia' academy.

Laporta arrived in New York to attend the World Cup final, scheduled for Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, between the Spanish national team, which includes 8 Barcelona players, and the Argentine team led by Lionel Messi.

The Barcelona president expressed his excitement for what the whole world will witness, confirming that the club's name will be strongly present, in statements he made to 'RAC 1' radio from Times Square in the heart of Manhattan.

Laporta said: 'We feel great pride for the eight players we have. It is a very important match for them, and as president of the club I feel happy and grateful to have players with such talent. At the national team level, this is the best match that can be played, between two different styles.'

He added: 'If the referee is firm, Spain will have a greater chance of winning the match. Argentina is more fierce, while the Spanish team plays more collectively and with a style closer to Barcelona's. Barcelona is the best, and everyone acknowledges that.'

The Barcelona president also confirmed his happiness at having Lionel Messi on the other side of the final, saying: 'Leo also reached the final, and I am happy about that. He is a pride of La Masia. Messi is the past and present, and Lamine Yamal is the present and future. We are very happy to have the authentic Barcelona style of play. As president of the club, I feel proud that these two players graduated from the club, and if we add to them Juan García, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, who is having an amazing World Cup, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Pedri, and Ferran Torres... this is exceptional.'