Gerard Piqué has not held back. Present in Milan to closely follow the third Kings League Club World Cup, the former Barcelona footballer has sent an unequivocal message for next season: Barcelona remains superior to Real Madrid. A statement that goes far beyond dressing room rhetoric and reflects the confidence with which Hansi Flick's project approaches the new championship.

Blaugrana superiority, backed by results

According to sport.es, Piqué has based his argument on the recent achievements of the Catalan side. "The fact of winning the last two leagues, I think, gives you a status and credit to start as favourites", explained the Kings League president, who believes those two consecutive titles are no trifling matter.

However, the former defender is not carried away by euphoria. Aware that words must be proven on the pitch, Piqué warns of what matters most: "Then you have to demonstrate it". An honest reflection that places the laurels where they belong: on the field, where these matters are settled.

Stability as a competitive weapon

Beyond recent titles, Piqué identifies two factors that give Barcelona an advantage for the coming season: continuity and stability. Against possible market movements by Madrid, the blaugrana maintain their project intact.

"The players and the team are already adapted. The fact that Flick is in his third year and that the players have internalized the format and the style of play means they start with an advantage", he reasoned. A compelling argument: while other teams digest new arrivals and tactical changes, Barcelona continues with its clearly defined roadmap.

Lamine Yamal, Kings League ambassador in elite football

Piqué used his presence in Milan to also speak about Lamine Yamal, who has risen through the ranks in his involvement with the Kings League. The Barcelona talent has gone from being a fan of the competition just a few years ago to leading La Capital FC, one of the teams competing in the Club World Cup.

"Having him with us is a pleasure. He's someone who started out as a Kings League fan at 14 or 15 years old, when we began the project, who later joined us with a team and who now has a club competing in the World Cup", explained the former defender. The young winger's involvement has increased: he attends matches, takes penalties and actively participates in the competition's events.

Crazy atmosphere in Italy

Piqué did not miss the opportunity to highlight the atmosphere generated in Milan around the tournament. "It's crazy. Here the fans live the Kings intensely", he said from the heart of the deafening noise that filled the stadium before Monday's matches.

Italian teams like Underdogs or the team led by content creator Blur are becoming benchmarks for that passion. However, Piqué warns La Capital FC about what awaits them: "They're going to have it tough because it gets very tight here".

Big words for an ambitious project

Piqué's statements come at a time when Barcelona seeks to consolidate its dominance in La Liga after two years in which it has left little room for competition. Now it remains for Flick's team to back up on the pitch the confidence placed by one of the most influential figures of Barcelona's project over the last decade.

Will Barcelona maintain that superiority that Piqué proclaims, or will Madrid have something to say in the coming campaign?