Which players are Barcelona watching at the World Cup?

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:56 CDT
• 4 min read

Barcelona's former star Lionel Messi is already lighting up the World Cup with Argentina, with two goals in two games to keep his country's hopes alive, but who else will the Blaugrana be keeping tabs on?

Barca aren't exactly scouting Messi for the first time, the 35-year-old having spent 21 glittering years with the cub in which he won 10 La Ligas and four Champions Leagues, contributing a record 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 games along the way.

But they are definitely keeping tabs on his situation. The Argentina captain - who has scored against Saudi Arabia and Mexico so far - is out of contract with current employers PSG at the end of the season, and Barcelona want him back. David Beckham's Inter Miami promise to offer stiff competition, however.

READ: Messi, Suarez & more: Inter Miami to create Barcelona Dream Team

If Barca are beaten to Messi, they will have been keeping a close eye on Portugal for their Plan B. Manchester City's midfield metronome Bernardo Silva is known to be one of their top targets, and Pep Guardiola previously admitted he wouldn't stop the 28-year-old moving to Camp Nou - assuming Barca could find the money to fund a deal.

Club president Joan Laporta reportedly "loves" Rafa Leao, meanwhile, but Bernardo's international teammate would cost a pretty penny from AC Milan. Silva's Man City clubmate Ilkay Gundogan, at the World Cup with Germany and available on a free at the end of the season, is a more likely acquisition.

Barca's spending power…

Barca spent €150 million on Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde in the summer - all three of them in Qatar with Poland, Brazil and France respectively - but the club's group stage exit from the Champions League means that Bosman transfers are likely to be the order of the day.

READ: Man City star Bernardo Silva's €50m offer

Barca have been linked with Enzo Fernandez (of Argentina and Benfica) and Josko Gvardiol (Croatia and RB Leipzig), but both have long-term contracts at their current clubs and Barca would likely have to activate another "financial lever" to get anywhere near them amid interest from the Premier League.

There is some serious value to be had in the free transfer market next summer, though. Marco Asensio, leading the line for Spain, is out of contract with Real Madrid at the end of the campaign and Pedri has already expressed his wish to see him join him a club level.

Barca also need a right-back with Hector Bellerin plagued by injury and Kounde out of position when he plays there. Cesar Azpilicueta (Spain and Chelsea) and Thomas Meunier (Belgium and Borussia Dortmund) are both viable options. Germany youngster Youssoufa Moukoko is out of contract with Dortmund in June and recently described Barca as his dream club, but thus far that interest seems to be on the player's side alone.