WhatsApp message sparks Fermin Lopez’s return to Barcelona

When Xavi received a voice note from Domingo highlighting Lopez’s strong performances at Linares, he remembered the midfielder’s potential from early La Masia visits. The manager immediately added Lopez to the provisional pre‑season squad and invited him to the United States tour.

Lopez impressed in a single training session, earning a debut against Arsenal and scoring a goal and providing an assist in his second match against Real Madrid. He has since become a key goal‑scoring midfielder for Barcelona and the national team.