The World Cup and Barcelona have a long connection of success with many players winning the trophy while at the club.
The club has been home to some of football’s greatest players, with legends gracing the Camp Nou turf and delivering trophies, breathtaking football, and unforgettable moments in the famous blaugrana colours.
Los Cules have always shown immense appreciation for both past and present stars, making this an ideal opportunity to look at which former Barcelona players could be in contention for football’s most prestigious prize.
With the World Cup in North America now less than 10 days away, anticipation is building, we have assessed the current players going to the tournament and the stars staying at home. The tournament presents a fascinating chance to see which ex-Barcelona stars can lead their nations to glory and etch their names into history by lifting the coveted Jules Rimet Trophy.
Lionel Messi
For much of his career at Barcelona, Lionel Messi dreamed of winning the World Cup with Argentina, only to suffer heartbreak time and again on football’s biggest stage. That long wait finally came to an end in 2022 when, while playing for Paris Saint-Germain, he led La Albiceleste to glory in Qatar. In a dramatic final against France, neither side could be separated after 120 minutes before Argentina triumphed in a penalty shootout to claim the sport’s ultimate prize.
The victory lifted a burden that had followed Messi throughout his career. As one of the driving forces behind Argentina’s success, he inspired celebrations across the nation, from Buenos Aires to Rosario and Córdoba, as millions celebrated a long-awaited third World Cup triumph.
Now, four years later, Messi has the opportunity to defend Argentina’s crown. The reigning world champions will once again be among the favourites, and their group-stage draw appears favourable, with Algeria, Austria and Jordan standing in their way. Argentina will be expected to top the group and build momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
No nation has successfully retained the World Cup since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962. Argentina now have the chance to accomplish something truly special by becoming the first team in more than six decades to win back-to-back world titles.
If they are to do so, Messi’s influence will once again be crucial. However, Argentina’s success will also depend heavily on key figures such as Enzo Fernández and Barcelona transfer target Julián Álvarez, whose quality and experience could prove decisive in another deep tournament run.
Neymar
There was considerable debate over whether Neymar would make Brazil’s World Cup squad after an injury-hit spell and inconsistent form with Santos. However, the experienced forward earned his place in the final selection, giving him what could be his last opportunity to join the pantheon of Brazilian legends by winning football’s biggest prize.
As Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, lifting the World Cup would further cement Neymar’s legacy and strengthen his case as one of the greatest players in his nation's history. Despite his stature, he enters the tournament in a different role than in previous years. With Vinícius Júnior now established as Brazil’s main attacking threat on the left flank and Raphinha providing quality on the right, Neymar is no longer guaranteed a place in the starting XI.
Nevertheless, his experience, creativity and eye for goal make him a valuable weapon for the Seleção. Whether deployed as an impact substitute or called upon to start in the matches against Haiti or Scotland, Neymar has the ability to change games in an instant. If he can rediscover his best form, he could still play a pivotal role in Brazil’s pursuit of a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
Sergino Dest
Not as popular as the other superstars, but a former player nonetheless. Perhaps a surprise inclusion on this list, but with the advantage of playing on home soil and the backing of a passionate fanbase, the United States could emerge as one of the tournament’s dark horses. While a World Cup triumph would still be considered a major upset, the hosts have the potential to exceed expectations and make a deep run.
Former Barcelona right-back Sergiño Dest will be a key figure in those ambitions. His time at the Catalan club was often turbulent, with inconsistency overshadowing some of his better performances, but he has rebuilt his reputation at PSV Eindhoven and is expected to enter the tournament as a first-choice starter. If he can replicate the form he has shown in the Eredivisie, he could provide the energy and attacking threat that makes him such an important asset for the United States.
Of course, a significant amount of luck would need to fall in the hosts’ favour for them to challenge for the trophy. However, they will be confident of progressing from a group containing Paraguay, Australia and Turkey. Advancing to the knockout stages should be the minimum expectation, and with home support behind them, the Americans will believe they can cause a few surprises along the way.
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