The Catalan giants, in conjunction with prominent Hispanic businessman Marcelo Claure, are spearheading Miami's bid to secure an MLS franchise for the Floridian city.

Seven cities have applied for the two spots available and should Miami be successful, Laporta feels it would enable Barca to make inroads into the American market.

He said: "This is a very important day for Barca. We have waited many years to find an opportunity to penetrate the American and Latin market.

"Thanks to a series of factors, we can achieve this. Miami is the door of hope and dreams, it's a city full of life."

Claure is also the owner of Bolivian club Bolivar - another plus, according to Laporta.

He added: "We believe Claure offers us guarantees that this project will be a success.

"He is the perfect partner because he understands the football philosophy and the management model of Barca.

"The club's aim and responsibility is that the team of Miami becomes more than just a football club."