Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reaffirmed his admiration for Lionel Messi, describing the Inter Miami forward as the greatest footballer in history. The 63-year-old Spanish football executive made the glowing remarks during an exclusive interview with The Touchline, where he also named three of Barcelona’s current players—Pedri, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal—as the most talented footballers of the new generation.
Laporta, who has played a pivotal role in shaping FC Barcelona’s modern legacy, credited Messi for having achieved everything possible in the sport. Despite the Argentine icon’s departure from Barcelona in 2021, Laporta remains an outspoken admirer of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, whose contributions to the Catalan club are etched in football folklore.
“Messi did everything,” Laporta declared. “For me, he’s the best player in history. But the world goes on.”
Messi’s Legendary Career
Lionel Messi, 38, currently plays for Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami after an illustrious career that began at Barcelona and later included a stint at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi’s trophy-laden career spans more than two decades, boasting an unprecedented list of accomplishments.
He has won over 40 trophies for club and country, including 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four UEFA Champions League trophies with Barcelona. Internationally, Messi led Argentina to Copa América glory in 2021 and capped his international career with the ultimate triumph: the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
His personal accolades include a record seven Ballon d’Or awards, eight Golden Boots, and countless Player of the Year titles across various tournaments. The diminutive playmaker’s vision, dribbling, playmaking ability, and leadership continue to inspire both fans and fellow players around the globe.
Messi scored a remarkable 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barcelona, making him the club’s all-time top scorer. His legacy at the Camp Nou is unrivaled, with many viewing him as the face of the club’s golden era under coaches like Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.
Laporta Looks to the Future
While expressing nostalgia over Messi’s departure, Laporta emphasized the importance of looking ahead. He turned the spotlight toward Barcelona’s next generation of stars, singling out Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Raphinha as the future of world football.
“But the new geniuses of this generation are players like Lamine Yamal, Pedri or Raphinha. The most talented players in the world of football,” Laporta said.
Pedri, the 21-year-old midfield maestro, has already drawn comparisons to Andrés Iniesta due to his exceptional vision and control. His performances for both Barcelona and Spain have made him a fan favorite, and he has already picked up several individual awards, including the 2021 Golden Boy title.
Raphinha, the Brazilian winger who joined Barcelona from Leeds United, has impressed fans with his speed, flair, and technical ability. Despite a few injury setbacks, the 27-year-old remains a key part of Xavi’s rebuilding efforts and continues to play an influential role on the flanks.
Lamine Yamal, the youngest of the trio at just 17, is widely considered a prodigy. The La Masia graduate has stunned football analysts with his maturity on the ball, dribbling finesse, and eye for goal. Many within the club view Yamal as the player most likely to inherit Messi’s mantle in the long term.
Building a Post-Messi Era
Laporta’s statements highlight Barcelona’s dual approach to honoring past legends while investing in the future. The post-Messi era has come with challenges, including financial difficulties, injuries, and coaching changes. However, under the leadership of Xavi Hernandez—himself a club legend—the team has shown signs of resurgence.
Barcelona secured the La Liga title during the 2022–23 season and continues to nurture homegrown talents while recruiting promising international players. With the renovation of Camp Nou underway and a strategic focus on youth development, the club aims to recapture its place among Europe’s elite.
Global Reactions and the Messi Legacy
Laporta’s tribute to Messi sparked wide discussion across social media, with fans and pundits echoing his sentiments. The Argentine’s decision to join Inter Miami may have taken him away from the European spotlight, but it has opened new doors for MLS and football in the United States. His presence has significantly boosted ticket sales, viewership, and the global profile of American soccer.
Despite his physical absence from European football, Messi’s shadow looms large. His influence is visible not only in the way young players model their games but also in how clubs across the world approach talent development and attacking play.
What Lies Ahead
As Lionel Messi continues to dazzle in the United States and potentially eyes another Copa América or World Cup campaign with Argentina, the football world remains in awe of his contributions. For Barcelona, the challenge lies in balancing nostalgia with progress—a task Joan Laporta appears determined to navigate with vision and realism.
With talents like Pedri, Raphinha, and Yamal at the helm, the future looks bright for the Blaugrana faithful. Yet, no matter how many new stars emerge, Lionel Messi’s legacy will forever be an inseparable chapter in the club’s identity.
“Messi will always be part of Barcelona’s soul,” Laporta once said. “But our story is still being written.”
Source: Africa Live News
