Laporta talks Lamine, Messi, Rashford, Real Madrid – ‘We were a better team than them last season’ | OneFootball

Currently on the pre-season tour with the squad, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta granted an interview to CNN Sports (h/t Mundo Deportivo), during which he discussed a variety of topics related to the club.

One of the biggest talking points was the fanfare surrounding Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, with Laporta lavishing great praise on the youngster.

However, when asked about the comparisons between the 18-year-old La Masia gem and Barcelona great Lionel Messi, the club president opted not to fuel them any further.

“Lamine Yamal is Lamine Yamal, Leo Messi was Leo Messi,” Laporta said.

“Leo has been the best player in the world, and Lamine, I think, in his position right now, is the best player in the world,” he emphasised.

Laporta praised the youngster for his ability and work ethic, saying: “In Lamine’s case, there aren’t many players like him because he’s a genius and he’s at the highest level.

“He’s very professional and knows that to be the best and be at the top, he needs to be in shape, he needs to train, he needs to follow the advice of the coach and the people around him, and, basically, feel happy, feel like he’s enjoying playing football.”

Laporta also spoke about Barcelona’s most recent summer signing, Marcus Rashford, hailing the Englishman for the desire he showed to join the club.

“We signed this player because he was deeply committed to coming to Barcelona,” said Laporta.

“He’s fast, strong, committed, and once again, he did everything he could to sign for Barcelona. He lobbied his agent, spoke to the club, and at the same time, to Manchester United.”

Meanwhile, addressing Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid, who have made key signings and changed managers this summer, Laporta commented:

“I think we were a better team than them last season. They have great players, they signed a new coach, and we’ll see, but Real Madrid will always be our rival.”

Laporta spoke highly of Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

During the interview, Laporta raised the possibility of Barcelona playing an official La Liga match in the USA next season, stating that they are open to the idea.

“We are delighted to go to the United States every year because we feel loved, we feel respected as a club, we have a lot of fans there,” he said.

“For Barcelona, it will be a great honour to participate in this event, which will be an official La Liga match, but at the same time, it will be a big event in the United States.”

Continuing, he stated: “We are a club that belongs to La Liga and we are responsible because we want to market the competition as best as possible. I reiterate, I am open and (Barcelona) is at La Liga’s disposal.”

Laporta concluded by criticising the increasingly congested football calendar, as he said: “The football calendar is too tight. We need to find a solution and reduce the number of matches.

“As a club, we have to have more players than usual (to play more matches), and that means we have to invest more, and that means we have to do our best to have a more competitive squad.

“Of course, they’re talented players, but they’re also human beings, and there are limits. They need time to rest and enjoy themselves, and I think that’s something to keep in mind.”