Pau Cubarsi could break this Lionel Messi’s Barcelona record before turning 30 – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have largely been helped out by La Masia to stay competitive in recent seasons despite their immense financial struggles and the famed academy has taken it upon themselves to produce a golden generation for the club.

Despite their relatively young age, a number of players in the current squad are already amongst the very best in their position in the world. Players like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi have shown an extremely high level despite being just 17 and 18 respectively.

At just 18, Cubarsi has emerged as the leader of the Barcelona backline and there is a significant drop-off in quality whenever Hansi Flick decided to rest the Spaniard. It is quite incredible how well the youngster is playing in a very unforgiving position.

As per Mundo Deportivo, Cubarsi has already played 60 official matches for the Barcelona first team, establishing himself as a mainstay in the XI since his breakthrough under Xavi Hernandez early in January 2024.

Cubarsi has a frightening ceiling in the game and if he continues to rack up similar numbers, he is bound to earn legendary status in a Barcelona jersey. The current player with most appearances wearing this shirt belongs to none other than Lionel Messi who racked up 779 official appearances.

Should the 18-year-old continue in a similar vein, he would be able to beat Messi’s most appearances record for Barcelona before he turns 30 years of age. That is quite a frightening stat. One other player who is obviously in the running for the same record is Lamine Yamal who is currently at 82 matches.

Playing at center-back obviously gives Cubarsi a slight edge over Lamine as the rotation is likely to be significantly lesser. Regardless, Barcelona have two players in the current squad who can go on to achieve great things at the club.

It is too early to be giving such shouts to Cubarsi though. One must allow him to develop without worrying about the future and let’s wait and see just how long the Spanish teenager’s career here plays out for and just how successful he is.