BARCELONA whizkid Ansu Fati and Real Madrid starlet Takefusa Kubo became friends and foes reunited for a masked selfie – seven years after LaLiga’s hottest prospects were snapped together for Barca juniors.
Manchester United target Fati, 17 was an unused sub but “Japanese Messi” Kubo, 19, shone on loan for Mallorca despite Barcelona notching a 4-0 win – as the Spanish top-flight returned after the coronavirus lockdown.
Glovely to see you again – as Barcelona’s Ansu Fati takes a snap for our times with Mallorca loanee Takefusa KuboCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Whizkid widemen Ansu Fati and Takefusa Kubo were part of a typically-talented Barcelona kids team in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Lionel Messi returned from the Covid-19 lockdown with the final goal as Barcelona won 4-0 at MallorcaCredit: Reuters
But the two wingers brought back pre-teen memories as Fati took a socially-distanced selfie of the gloved duo before the behind-closed-doors clash at Mallorca’s Ono Estad.
Barcelona fans on social media were frustrated as exciting Spain Under-21 star Fati was left on the bench, even though the visitors led 2-0 at the break and always looked comfortable.
Arturo Vidal took just two minutes to head the opener – after LaLiga’s 98-day lay-off.
ELECTRIC FUSA
Then Martin Braithwaite finished delightfully for his first goal since an emergency arival from Leganes in February.
Lionel Messi brilliantly teed up Jordi Alba’s fine finish on 79 minutes before firing home himself in stoppage time with his weaker, right foot.
But Kubo was a true livewire for Mallora when he inspired their best quarter of an hour – before the break.
And it was another painful reminder for Barcelona of how they lost the prodigy in 2015 – after he spent four years training at their famed La Masia academy.
Kubo joined J-League giants FC Tokyo as Barca had broken Fifa’s transfer rules on signing under-18s.
And Real gleefully bagged him on a five-year deal in June 2019.
The Barca junior team from seven years ago included several budding superstarsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Watch Lionel Messi’s stunning lob in training match as Barcelona star proves he’s lost none of his magic in lockdown
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
