Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Barcelona 3: La Liga champions put on a show in South Africa with goals from Ousmane Dembele, Luis Suarez and Andre Gomes
Lionel Messi received one of the loudest cheers of the night when he was introduced in the second half
LA LIGA champions Barcelona put on a show in South Africa as they cruised past Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nelson Mandela Centenary Cup.
Thousands of fans flocked to the FNB Stadium to get a glimpse of the stars in action - with Andres Iniesta close to calling time on his stellar 22-year spell at the club.
And they were treated to a screamer from Ousmane Dembele before Luis Suarez and Andre Gomes rounded off the victory.
Lionel Messi started on the bench but received a huge reception when he came on in the 74th minute.
Barca threatened to run riot when youngster Dembele smashed home the opener with just two minutes on the clock.
It was a howler by the Sundowns defender who gifted the 21-year-old the ball before cutting back into his left foot and rifling an unstoppable strike in the corner.
Sundowns went into the game as champions of the South African PSL title and showed moments of quality.
Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen made a wonder save to tip a header onto the crossbar, before being called into action again when he denied a long ranged effort.
Just as it seemed Sundowns were settling into the contest, Denis Suarez played an inch-perfect through ball into the path of Suarez who made it two.
Barca made a host of changes in the second half and they treated the contest like a training ground exercise with the World Cup just around the corner.
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Gomes then capitalised on another defensive nightmare to make it three before Sundowns got themselves on the score sheet.
Sibusiso Vilakazi broke the offside trap to slot past Jasper Cillessen to grab a consolation for the home side.
Barca ran down the clock eager not to pick up any injuries and the home players flocked over to towards Messi at the full-time whistle.
They wanted pictures with the Argentine ace before being presented with the trophy.