Joan Gaspart reacts to Spain's World Cup win over Argentina

Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart, who oversaw the signings of both Diego Maradona and a teenage Lionel Messi, gave his assessment after the World Cup final in which Spain defeated Argentina. Speaking to Spanish media, Gaspart praised Spain's tactical discipline and luck in the knockout, saying the team “did not let Argentina play its game.” He also expressed sympathy for Messi, noting the emotional impact of the loss on the Argentine captain whom he considers a close friend.

Gaspart recalled that Messi joined La Masia at 13 during his own tenure and highlighted the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent. He described Messi’s early performances as “phenomenal” and said Barcelona would be “invincible” if it could regularly produce players of his caliber. The former president’s comments linked his historic role in bringing both Messi and Maradona to Barcelona with the broader narrative of the final.