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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed his belief that the Catalan club will play a central role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, as Spain prepare to meet Argentina in New York.

With eight Barcelona players named in Luis de la Fuente’s Spanish squad, Laporta emphasised that the occasion serves as proof of the club’s strong presence on the global stage of international football.

Recent Barcelona headlines have focused on the club’s remarkable representation in the national team, with several first-team regulars set to feature prominently in Sunday’s final.

Travelling to New York to support La Roja, Laporta spoke with immense pride about the club’s contribution ahead of what is anticipated to be one of the most exciting football matches of the year.

Addressing the media before the Spain versus Argentina World Cup final, Laporta underlined the significance of having so many Barcelona players involved in the grandest international fixture.

“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,” he said.

“At the international level, this is the best match one can play, with contrasting styles, and the referee will have a big task to manage the game.”

Laporta expressed great pride in Barcelona’s visibility at the World Cup, adding, “Argentina are more aggressive, while the Spanish team plays more collectively, with a style similar to Barça’s. Barça are the best there is, and everyone recognises that.”

With several players nurtured through the club’s famed La Masia academy continuing to shine for Spain, Laporta sees the World Cup final as a reflection of Barcelona’s footballing philosophy.

Alongside Spain’s strong Barcelona contingent, Laporta was also delighted that Lionel Messi would once again appear in a World Cup final, setting up an emotional reunion with several of his former teammates from Camp Nou.

Speaking about Messi’s enduring legacy and the emergence of young talent Lamine Yamal, Laporta remarked, “Messi has also reached the final and I’m delighted. He’s the pride of La Masia. Messi represents the past and the present, while Lamine represents the present and the future.”

He continued, “We’re very happy to have what is the authentic Barça style of football.”

Laporta further added, “As president, I’m proud that these two players have come through our system, and when you add names like Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Cubarsi – who’s having a spectacular World Cup – Olmo, Gavi, Pedri, Ferran… it’s simply exceptional.”

The Barcelona chief also took a moment to praise sporting director Deco for his work in the transfer market and his role in shaping the club’s recruitment policy.

Laporta said, “Deco works very well – consistently, efficiently and discreetly – as he has shown with Adeyemi.”

He added, “We saw that with Gordon too. He scored in the semi-final against Argentina after a perfectly timed run.”

“He’s very quick, hardworking and presses effectively, and we’re pleased with Deco’s efforts,” Laporta continued.

Concluding his remarks, Laporta noted, “Plan Bs? They’re simply alternatives. The director of football never stops working, and there are always various options; he must select the one that best suits the team.”