Barcelona Reunites with Iniesta in Friendly Win over Vissel Kobe | Latest News

In a friendly match held in Tokyo on Tuesday, Barcelona welcomed back club legend Andres Iniesta as they secured a 2-0 win against Vissel Kobe. The game also marked the long-awaited debut of Mexican international Julian Araujo, who joined Barcelona earlier this year from LA Galaxy for a fee that could rise up to €4 million.

Araujo, aged 21, had been unable to compete in official matches due to the deal missing the registration deadline by a mere 18 seconds in January. However, after training with the first team for four months, he finally had the opportunity to represent Barcelona at the Japan National Stadium. The team secured the victory with first-half goals from Franck Kessie and Eric Garcia.

Playing as a right-back in the first half and then on the left side of defense in the second, Araujo demonstrated his versatility. Sources have indicated that Barcelona intends to have Araujo continue training with the first team during the preseason tour in the United States before determining the best path for his development in the upcoming season.

Coach Xavi Hernandez also provided debuts to several young players in the friendly match, which took place less than 48 hours after Barcelona concluded their domestic campaign with a 2-1 defeat against Celta Vigo. Pau Prim and Dani Rodriguez started the game, while Marc Giui, Hector Fort, and Unai Hernandez came off the bench in the second half.

Both of Barcelona's goals were set up by the impressive Pablo Torre, who delivered a remarkable defense-splitting pass to assist Kessie's opener in the 16th minute. Three minutes later, Garcia headed in Torre's corner to secure the team's second goal.

Despite Vissel Kobe's attempts to make a comeback, Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena denied them with a fine save from Lincoln and showcased quick reflexes by making a double stop from Koya Yuruki.

This match marked the second encounter between former Barcelona midfielder Iniesta and his former club since his departure from the Spotify Camp Nou in 2018, concluding a 22-year tenure at the club after joining the youth academy at the age of 12.

Before the game, Iniesta had a reunion with his former teammate Xavi, and he bid farewell to Vissel Kobe following his announcement in May that he would leave the club, ending his five-year stay in Japan.

At the age of 39, Iniesta still believes he is capable of playing regular football and has received interest from Major League Soccer, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Dubai. He is open to considering offers as he looks for his next career move.