09.08.2010 11:45

Successful Asian trip

David Puig

FC Barcelona have completed their trip to Asia and for many of the club's young hopefuls it provided the perfect opportunity to shine and for the fans it was a great chance to see Lionel Messi in action.

Coach Pep Guardiola took 17 players from the club's B team and ensured that they were all given a chance to show what they could do alongside the first-team stars that also travelled to South Korea and then China. Heat and humidity played their part, but that did not prevent the up-and-coming players from proving that they can be trusted to make the grade and slot in at highest level when required.

'Messimania' in Asia

Barça fans across the South Korea and China were desperate to see Messi up close and the Argentinian did not disappoint as he showed what he is capable of in both matches.

After making a stunning cameo appearance in the first game in Seoul when he scored twice, Messi then played a half in Beijing and produced his familiar runs and touches to great effect.

Goals galore

After three pre-season games and three victories the Blaugrana have Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Víctor Sánchez as top scorers with two goals each. Now the squad must prepare for the first leg of the Copa del Rey against Sevilla this Saturday when the youth players will again feature.