Barcelona eye A-League friendly

4 May 2009 | 15:28 - SBS EXCLUSIVE

ARTICLE

Friendly interest...Argentina superstar Lionel Messi and his Barcelona teammates may be headed to Australia for some friendly matches against A-League teams. (Getty Images)

Barcelona could be the next big name club to head to Australia for a friendly match.

Hot on the heels of English Premier League sides Fulham and Wolverhampton, who have confirmed matches against North Queensland, Perth and the Gold Coast in July, and Scottish giants Celtic, the Spanish superstars are rumoured to also be interested in taking on the A-League's finest.

TWG understands the Catalans have met Sydney FC officials to discuss a possible midweek match up in August, with another club - believed to be Melbourne Victory - also in the frame.

Given the proposed blockbuster would not be until after the start of the A-League season, it is understood there are still some scheduling details to be arranged.

A source close to Sydney FC has confirmed the high profile interest and suggested that Barcelona had initially expressed a desire to come in July before the start of the A-League, but have had to revise their plans.

The game would be a huge boon for the profile of the A-League, with Barcelona boasting a host of international stars and on the cusp of winning Spain's La Liga.

Fresh from a 6-2 obliteration of fierce rivals Real Madrid, the Catalans, who have been lauded for their free-flowing football this season, are also still in contention for the Champions League final.

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