Barca’s La Masia opens its doors to women

Lionel Messi. Pic/AFP

Claudia Riumallo Pineda, 18, is one of nine trailblazers who this season became the first female players to enrol at La Masia, Barca's famed football academy and proving ground for the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez.

Since its opening in 1979, La Masia has never had female residents. But the women's team has been knocking on the door for a long time. "This year they have given us La Masia, which is a gift," says Claudia.

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