'The match the world is waiting for' - Barcelona president Joan Laporta talks up Champions League showdown against PSG in thinly-veiled dig at rivals

Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Barcelona enjoyed a stellar 2024–25 season and appeared poised to make a deep run in Europe’s elite club competition. However, their campaign ended in heartbreak at the semi-final stage, where they were eliminated by Italian giants Inter Milan. Had the Catalans triumphed in that tie, a dream final against PSG would have become a reality.

Laporta admitted missing out on such a high-profile showdown was a significant disappointment, not just for the club but for football fans worldwide.

“PSG performed wonderfully last season,” he began saying in an interview with CNN. “They won the Champions League, they won the French league, they play beautiful football with a great coach, exceptional players, and a strong team as well. Unfortunately, we couldn’t play against them.”

While last season’s opportunity has passed, Laporta made it clear a Barcelona vs PSG contest remains a tantalising prospect for fans and players alike. He believes the two clubs are among the top-performing sides on the continent and are destined to meet at some point on the grandest stage in the upcoming season. 

“It’s a football match the world is waiting for. Because I believe we were the two most competitive and best-prepared teams last season," he added.

“We hope to play against them this season so we can find out which one is better. With respect to all the other clubs, perhaps another club will emerge this season playing good football. But in terms of football, everyone who loves the game said last season that Barcelona and Paris were the teams in the best form and playing the best football in the world.”

Barcelona’s preparations for the new campaign continue this week, with the team set to host the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 10 against Como. Following that match, Barça will shift their focus to defending the La Liga crown, beginning with an away game against Mallorca next weekend.