Barca sink Arsenal in Griezmann’s Camp Nou debut; Messi out of US tour

Luis Suarez’s late volley saw Barcelona to a 2-1 win in the Joan Gamper Trophy friendly in front of a bumper crowd at the Camp Nou, as Antoine Griezmann made his home debut following his big money move from Atletico Madrid.

Suarez flashed home Sergi Roberto’s lofted pass in the 89th minute in front of nearly 99,000 people, who packed the stands to see new signings Griezmann and Frenckie De Jong, with his strike and Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ comical own goal cancelling out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s fine first half opener.

“It was an entertaining game, the atmosphere was great and it was a privilege to reunite with our fans,” said Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde.

“I think we did well, but perhaps in the first half we lacked a bit of rhythm.”

Barca are aiming for European glory this campaign after suffering Champions League humiliations against Roma and Liverpool the last two seasons.

Before the match captain Lionel Messi addressed those defeats — which saw the Barcelona throw away comfortable first-leg leads before being dumped out — in a speech to the crowd.

However Messi didn’t take the field and it was left to his long-time strike partner rather than the new boys to see off the Gunners after a powerful second half display.

Meanwhile, Barcelona skipper Lionel Messi left out of the squad for the club’s pre-season US tour after sustaining a calf problem on his return to training from a close season break, the La Liga champions said on Monday.

The Argentine forward experienced discomfort in his right leg during Monday’s training session and tests confirmed that the 32-year-old had suffered a grade one calf strain, forcing him out of the tour.

“Messi will remain in Barcelona... his availability to come back to action will be dictated by his recovery,” Barcelona said in a statement here on their website.

Barcelona were set to travel to the US later on Monday, with two friendly matches scheduled against Italian Serie A side Napoli on Aug. 7 (Miami) and 10 (Michigan).

Messi was banned from international duty for three months and fined $50,000 after levelling accusations of “corruption” at South American soccer chiefs during last month’s Copa America.

He was sent off against Chile in the third-place playoff and later alleged that the tournament had been fixed in favour of hosts Brazil, who defeated Argentina in the semi-final on their way to the title.

Barcelona have signed Spanish left back Junior Firpo from Real Betis on a five-year deal for an initial transfer fee of 18 million euros (16.4 million pounds), the Spanish champions said on Sunday.

Firpo, 22, is Barcelona’s fourth recruit of the close season after the Catalans signed forward Antoine Griezmann, midfielder Frenkie De Jong and goalkeeper Neto.

“Barcelona and Real Betis have reached an agreement for the transfer of Junior Firpo for an amount of 18 million euros plus 12 million euros in variables,” Barcelona said in a statement.

“The player will sign a contract with the club for the next five seasons, until June 30, 2024, with a termination clause of 200 million euros.”

Firpo played 24 times in La Liga last season, scoring three goals and grabbing four assists as Betis finished 10th.

Barcelona begin their league title defence on Aug. 16 when they travel to Athletic Bilbao.

Agencies