Barcelona icon Xavi talks Lamine, Cubarsi, Pedri, La Masia, Messi: ‘He’s a blessing’ | OneFootball

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has revealed the club recognised Lamine Yamal’s extraordinary talent when he was just 15 years old, insisting the Spain international has everything required to become the best player in world football.

Ahead of Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, Xavi reflected on the teenager’s rise from La Masia prospect to one of the biggest stars in international football. 

Having handed Yamal his senior Barcelona debut, the former midfielder offered a unique insight into the winger’s development, while also praising the generation of academy graduates now forming the backbone of both Barcelona and the Spain national team.

The Blaugrana legend also spoke about his close relationship with Lionel Messi, who will lead Argentina into Sunday’s final.

Xavi reveals when Barcelona realised Yamal was different

Speaking to RNE (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Xavi recalled the moment Barcelona’s coaching staff decided Yamal was ready to train with the first team despite being only 15 years old.

“We spotted him when he was 15. It was a time when the club was struggling financially.

Xavi has praised Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“You have to put your faith in home-grown talent. We could see that Lamine was different even at 15. From then on, we brought him up to the first team. 

“When I saw he was ready, we put him in the team. He understands everything and always makes the right decision. 

“He’s the standout player Spain has. He’s a blessing. He’s got everything it takes to be the best footballer in the world,” explained the former manager.

Xavi praises Barcelona’s golden generation

Xavi believes Yamal is only one part of an exceptional group emerging from La Masia, pointing to the impact made by several Barcelona academy graduates for both club and country.

Speaking about the current generation, he said. “He’s a genius; perhaps there’s never been a player who’s made such a difference in the history of Spain. And just look at how Cubarsí is playing too.

“I feel sorry for Fermín, but we’ve got Pedri. There’s a generation at Barça, and now in the national team, that will be around for 10 or 15 years, and I’m very proud of them, because we watched them grow during our time on the coaching staff at Barça.”

Xavi reflects on his relationship with Lionel Messi

Xavi has talked about his relationship with Lionel Messi. (Picture credit: JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

While discussing Spain’s preparations, Xavi was also asked about Messi, his former Barcelona teammate and close friend, who is preparing to captain Argentina in another World Cup final.

Speaking about the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Xavi said,

“I see him as a friend first and foremost; we have a very good personal relationship. And beyond that, I’m lost for words to describe him. 

“I tell him: ‘I just don’t know what to say to you anymore’. We’re left speechless by someone who has the humility to keep competing. 

“He is a competitive beast. And he’s played the role of spiritual leader in his team very well,” he concluded.