Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez not featuring in El Clasico friendly would have cost Barcelona a lot of money
Superstar trio would have cost the club a fortune if they did not play the match against their Spanish rivals in the US
BARCELONA would have lost £1.53million if Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar did not play a friendly against Real Madrid in America last year.
El Clasico is one of the biggest games in the football calendar, but this statistic proves that it is the superstars that bring in the big bucks.
According to , if Messi had not played for at least 45 minutes, the club's overall payment would have dropped by £574,000.
Neymar's absence would have lost them £459,000 and there was £344,000 at stake for Suarez.
It has also been revealed that each team receives a premium of £2.49m per appearance in North America.
The match was part of the International Champions Cup and the Catalan giants went on to win 3-2.
Barcelona had to cover their own travel costs for the match and fork out for their flights, hotels and provisions.
But the team was happy to cover this considering the large bonus that was heading their way.
For rivals Madrid, their costs included a bill from Relevent Sports reading: "Post-game McDonald's for the team."
It is reported that the fast-food treat for the La Liga side came to £172.87 after the match.
And the El Clasico could become more regular after both teams were named in a leaked document for a new European Super League.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea were also named in the 11-team list for the competition that could start by 2021.
But the Gunners have denied any involvement in the plans for the controversial new league.
