In an interview, Barcelona president Joan Laporta expressed optimism ahead of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. Appearing in the Little Spain neighborhood in New York one day before the final, Laporta revealed he had “a very good feeling” and believed that Luis de la Fuente’s Spain side could stick to its distinctive playing style and lift the World Cup trophy.
“I have a very good feeling, a winner’s feeling,” Laporta said firmly, insisting that Spain would dominate the tempo of the final. “Spain controls possession well, and their style is highly similar to Barcelona’s. Eight Barcelona players are in the national team squad, and the authentic Barça playing philosophy has influenced the entire Spanish side.” He also spoke highly of head coach Luis de la Fuente’s tactical work and tournament management.
The Barcelona chief believes Spain’s key to victory lies in replicating its outstanding performance against France. “If we play the same way we did in that game, we will have every chance to win,” he stated. Meanwhile, he issued a warning regarding Argentina’s core strengths. “Argentina’s biggest weapon lies in its high-intensity physical duels and pressing. I hope this remains a fiercely competitive match without turning overly physical or fouling-heavy. Much depends on the referee, and I hope officiating standards will not be too lenient,” he stressed.
Laporta also hailed Lionel Messi as “the greatest player in football history”. Even so, he argued that the most effective way to contain the Argentine captain is through dominant ball possession. “He is a match-deciding player, but we can limit his influence with possession play, triangular combinations and wide ball transfers to exhaust Argentina’s players,” he explained.
Taking the opportunity, Laporta addressed the generational handover between Messi and Lamine Yamal. “There is no doubt that stopping Messi is extremely difficult, and containing Yamal is equally challenging. I hope and believe tomorrow’s final will be Yamal’s defining game, allowing him to cement his status at the top of world football. This is the natural cycle of football. Different players emerge as icons in different eras, and now, the time has come for the handover,” he said.
He additionally referenced the iconic photo of Messi holding a baby Lamine Yamal, describing it as a perfect symbol of La Masia’s outstanding youth development achievements. “It is an immense source of pride for us that two La Masia graduates are competing for the world championship. Messi brought countless years of glory to Barcelona and is an integral part of the club’s legendary history. Yet I believe the moment now belongs to Yamal,” he affirmed.
Finally, Laporta praised the teenage winger’s extraordinary mental toughness beyond his age. “Yamal is a true talent. I admire his attitude greatly; he never shrinks from huge occasions. He is incredibly brave and possesses maturity far beyond his years. I am certain he will sleep well tonight and focus solely on delivering his best performance in tomorrow’s final,” he concluded.
