In a bold signal of football’s shifting landscape, FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta has confirmed the club is “open” and “available” to play a competitive La Liga match in the United States next season. The move could mark a historic first for Spanish football and reflects Barça’s growing commitment to its global audience, particularly across the Atlantic.
A new era of expansion for Spanish football
Speaking during Barcelona’s preseason tour in Asia, Laporta confirmed that conversations about staging an official league fixture in the US have been ongoing over the past year. The idea, long floated by La Liga president Javier Tebas, has faced resistance in the past but is regaining momentum as the league eyes fresh markets and fanbases.
“For a La Liga match, I think that would be very interesting,” said Laporta. “I know that the president of La Liga is really keen on celebrating this official game in the States. We are available and open. We are at the disposal of La Liga in this sense.”
La Liga’s first attempt to host a match in the US back in 2018, involving Barcelona and Girona, was shelved following widespread backlash from Spanish players and legal complications. However, with global football’s commercial center of gravity steadily shifting, there’s renewed optimism that such an event could finally take place—perhaps even with Barcelona leading the way.
Lamine Yamal, Messi’s heir and Barça’s new face
Central to Barça’s international appeal is the explosive rise of 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, now donning the iconic No. 10 shirt. After helping Spain to European Championship glory in 2024 and dazzling in last season’s Champions League, Yamal is increasingly viewed as the club’s crown jewel.
Laporta was quick to temper comparisons to Lionel Messi, despite the stylistic echoes and precocious talent. “Lamine Yamal is Lamine Yamal, Leo Messi was Leo Messi,” he said. “Messi won everything… but the world continues and new geniuses appear. In his position, Lamine is the best player in the world right now.”
The young forward recently signed a long-term contract extension through the 2030–31 season, anchoring the club’s future on his shoulders. Laporta emphasized the club’s focus on supporting Yamal’s development both professionally and personally, drawing from the experience of nurturing Messi.
“It is very important that he feels good, that he enjoys playing football,” Laporta said. “He’s very professional, and he knows what it takes to be the best.”
A fresh start for Marcus Rashford
Another compelling subplot to Barcelona’s upcoming campaign is the arrival of Marcus Rashford. Once considered England’s most promising forward, Rashford joins from Manchester United on a season-long loan with hopes of revitalizing his career.
Laporta described Rashford as “really committed” to the move, noting that the player personally advocated for the deal and played a key role in making it happen. “He was pushing his agent, he was talking to the club, and at the same time to Manchester United,” Laporta said.
The Barça president believes a change of scenery could be just what the 26-year-old striker needs to rediscover his best form. With his pace, strength, and motivation, Rashford could emerge as a valuable piece in Barcelona’s evolving attacking system.
Balancing ambition with fatigue in an overloaded calendar
While Laporta is enthusiastic about expanding the league’s footprint through ventures like a La Liga match in the US, he also sounded a note of caution about the relentless pace of modern football. With elite players now competing year-round between club, league, and international duties, fatigue is becoming a pressing concern.
“The soccer calendar is too tight,” Laporta warned. “They are talented players but also human beings. There is a limit.”
He pointed to this summer’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup as a flashpoint, emphasizing the growing demands on clubs and players alike. “As a club, we have to have more players than usual. That means more investment, more management, and more attention to the physical and emotional well-being of the squad.”
Laporta’s comments come amid Real Madrid’s unsuccessful appeal to delay their league opener after competing in the Club World Cup, underscoring a broader scheduling dilemma affecting top-tier teams across Europe.
Eyes on Real Madrid and the road ahead
Barcelona will kick off their La Liga title defense on August 16 against Mallorca. Standing in their way once again is fierce rival Real Madrid, now led by Xabi Alonso and strengthened by the arrivals of stars like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.
But Laporta remains confident. “We were a better team than them last season. They have great players and a new coach, but Real Madrid will always be our rival,” he said. “It will be a great competition.”
For Barcelona, this season represents more than just defending their domestic crown. With the possibility of making La Liga history in the US, nurturing the next generation of superstars, and restoring their European pedigree, the club is poised for a campaign that could redefine its place in the global game.
The future, like the fixture list, is full—and Barça, Laporta insists, is ready for it all.
