Watch: Ernesto Valverde explains Lionel Messi cameo and Barcelona's South Africa inspiration

David Cooper - Writer 15:10 17/05/2018
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  • Messi hasn't lifted the Champions League trophy since 2015.

    Barcelona made a whistle-stop tour to South Africa earlier this week as they beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 to lift the Nelson Mandela Centenary Cup.

    Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele and Andre Gomes were the scorers for the travelling side before Lionel Messi made it off the bench for a hero’s welcome.

    Below, Barca coach Ernesto Valverde explains why it was such an honour to participate in the match – and the reason behind Messi’s fleeting appearance.

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