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Barcelona sporting director Deco has admitted he faces a deep conflict of loyalties ahead of Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The former midfielder has travelled to New York for the showpiece event, which will prominently feature both Catalan club icon Lionel Messi and a strong contingent of current Blaugrana players.

Lamine Yamal has always looked up to Lionel Messi. The Barcelona legend was - and remains - his one and only idol. "I never had another," Yamal admitted to Tuttosport. "I once took a photo with him. I was unknown." He wasn't just unknown, though; he was still only a baby, just a few weeks old when he and his mother partook in a 2007 photoshoot organised by SPORT for a charity calendar.

Twente youngster Ruud Nijstad has admitted his long-term ambition is to play alongside Pau Cubarsi at Barcelona after being impressed by the Spain international's display against Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the highly rated Dutch defender insists his immediate focus remains on continuing his development with the Eredivisie club.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will showcase the strength of La Masia, with club legends and rising stars on opposite sides. He hailed Lionel Messi's legacy while backing Lamine Yamal as the future, insisting Barcelona's identity will be at the heart of the showpiece.