Picture: Barcelona proudly celebrate La Masia’s representation in the 2026 World Cup final | OneFootball

Barcelona have used the build-up to the FIFA World Cup final to highlight the success of La Masia by proudly showcasing the academy’s extraordinary influence on the biggest match in international football.

Tonight’s final between Spain and Argentina will not only determine the next world champion but also provide a symbolic meeting between two generations of Barcelona talent. 

Lionel Messi, the greatest graduate in the academy’s history, will face Lamine Yamal, the teenager widely regarded as the next global superstar to emerge from La Masia.

Ahead of kick-off, the club’s social media paid tribute to its academy, reinforcing the message that regardless of the result, La Masia will leave its mark on football’s biggest stage.

Barcelona highlight La Masia’s remarkable presence

Barcelona shared an image across its official social media channels carrying the message: “La Masia, where dreams begin.”

The graphic featured nine players who developed through the club’s famous academy and will be involved in the World Cup final.

At the heart of the campaign are Messi and Lamine Yamal, whose journeys perfectly reflect different eras of Barcelona’s academy.

Messi arrived at La Masia in 2000 as a 13-year-old before progressing through every youth level to become one of the greatest footballers the sport has ever seen.

Lamine followed a similar pathway after joining the academy in 2014, rapidly climbing through Barcelona’s youth ranks before establishing himself as one of world football’s brightest young stars.

Nine La Masia graduates show Barcelona’s academy success

Indeed, Barcelona’s influence extends well beyond Messi and Lamine.

Barcelona will have a heavy La Masia representation in the World Cup final. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The club’s image also included Pau Cubarsi, Dani Olmo, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Victor Munoz, Marc Cucurella and Alejandro Grimaldo.

As such, the social media post attracted widespread attention and generated significant discussion among supporters.

One particular talking point centred on Marc Cucurella, with some fans questioning why he featured in the graphic following his recent move to Real Madrid. 

Others pointed out that the image celebrated players developed by La Masia rather than their current clubs, making his inclusion consistent with the campaign’s message.