Pre-season matches

With Real Madrid back in Spain it was Barcelona's turn to travel to the Far East this week. They arranged two games over there, the first against Japan's Yokohama Mariners which they drew 1-1, and the second against Chinese champions Shenzen Jianlibao which they won by a massive 0-9. 18 year old Leo Messi got two of the goals, and after starring in the recent youth world cup, the youngster was called up for the first time by Argentina for a friendly later this month. Barça fly back to Spain to take part immediately in the first of the big domestic summer tournaments, Cádiz's Ramón de Carranza trophy, which also features Sevilla and Portugal's Sporting Braga. (04.08.05)