Lionel Messi has once again shown the special link to Barcelona, giving priority to the talents of the Catalonna club academy in the Kopa Trophy 2026 award vote.

The Argentinian star put Lamine Yamali first, praising him as the best young football player in the world.

In second position, Messy voted for Barcelona defender, Pau Cubarsin, making the first two countries on his list reserved for the talents of the Catalona club.

However, the Argentina captain’s vote had another surprise in third place.

Messi decided to include in his list the offensive Algerian midfielder Ibrahim Maza, who currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen in German Bundesliga.

In addition to Barcelona’s two names, the Argentinian also selected a footballer who was not one of the most talked about names in the race for the prize. /Telegraph/