First team internationals totalled 1,306 minutes

There were 16 Barça first team and 3 Barça B players in international action on Thursday and Friday, most of whom played the full ninety minutes, while Tello and Messi both got on the scoresheet. Here we look back at their performances.

First team (1,306 minutes played)

Alves. 90 minutes. The Barça full back played the whole of the friendly between Brazil and Italy in Geneva.

Montoya. 90 minutes. The Barça right back impressed in Toledo against the Norway U21 side.

Bartra. 66 minutes. The centre back played the first 66 minutes against Norway U21 before being replaced by Amat.

Thiago. 90 minutes. Thiago was the man of the match for Lopetegui’s side, along with Cristian Tello. His playmaking was the essence of the Spanish team.

Tello. 66 minutes. Scored the first two goals for Spain U21 after Norway has netted first. Was substituted late in the game by Sarabia.

Valdés. 90 minutes. Started his first ever official match for Spain against Finland, and couldn’t do anything to prevent the Finnish equaliser.

Piqué. 90 minutes. Played the whole game at centre back, where his partner was Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid.

Alba. 90 minutes. The left back ended the game against Finland injured. Before that, he had caused a constant threat with his trademark runs up the flank.

Busquets. 90 minutes. Playing as a defensive midfielder, he was one of the five FCB players to play the full match against Finland. Couldn’t do anything to prevent the visitors from equalising in Gijon.

Cesc. 75 minutes. Replaced after 75 minutes by Mata, after having made a few long range attempts.

Iniesta. 90 minutes. Not even with Iniesta in the team could Spain generate enough goalscoring chances to finish off the game against a Finnish side that spent most of the game in its own half.

Pedro. 45 minutes. Del Bosque brought Pedro on for Cazorla in the second half as he looked for more creativity up front. Spain improved after he came on, but still couldn’t take the three points they needed.

Villa. 64 minutes. Played up front in his former home, El Molinón, but couldn’t find the net and was eventually substituted by Negredo in the second half.

Mascherano. 90 minutes. Played in a more advanced role for Argentina than he usually does for his club and posted a very impressive performance indeed for his country.

Messi. 90 minutes. The four-time Ballon d’Or winner wore the captain’s armband last night and was the star of the show against a plucky Venezuela team. Scored from the penalty spot and provided assists for both of Higuaín’s goals in a 3-0 win.

Alexis. 90 minutes. The Barça striker played the full match for Chile, but his side lost in Peru, their fourth straight defeat on the World Cup qualifiers.

Barça B (204 minutes played)

Muniesa. 69 minutes. Took Planas’ left back slot in the friendly with Norway U21 and was eventually substituted by Alberto Moreno.

Deulofeu. 45 minutes. Came on after the break as a replacement for Koke. Was as menacing as ever down the right wing.

Gustavo Ledes. 90 minutes. Played the full match for Portugal U21 against Ireland, but his side lost 1-0.