After the second half against Olot, Ansu Fati did not miss a goal in the second batch of pre-season friendlies, earning a spot in the starting lineup once again. He delivered a brilliant strike that crowned the match, following a precise last pass from Raphinha. The young forward is steadily accumulating minutes and regaining peak form as he moves past previous injuries with a clear aim: to enjoy football again and contribute to a breakthrough season. While he did not feature in a single minute for Spain in the Nations League and had only brief appearances in the closing league games, those moments now seem like distant memories. The signs are positive: Fati appears to have put his pre-season physical struggles behind him, and supporters anticipate his best level surfacing sooner rather than later. The Barcelona attack line is taking shape, and Fati is emerging as a key piece in what many expect to be a formidable frontline. He is part of a striking Barça forward group that has sparked optimism around the club and its fans, especially against teams that test resilience on tour and in friendlies. The early performances in America hint at a season where starts can be highly competitive, as every outlet is watching how he and his teammates translate pre-season momentum into regular-season impact. Fati’s form and confidence are developing alongside the club’s broader project, underscored by a positive trajectory despite the injuries that once threatened to derail his progress. This period serves as a reminder of his talent and his ability to influence games with pace, intuition, and a finishing touch that has always marked his profile. The message from the field is clear: Fati aims to build consistency and contribute meaningful goals and assists as the campaign approaches, showcasing a player who is ready to repay the faith shown by the club, the staff, and the fans with continued improvement and tangible on-pitch rewards. [Attribution: Barça media assessments and match reports]
Gavi also stood out in the opening match on American soil. The young midfielder, who is close to renewing his contract, demonstrated once again that there are no friendly matches in his vocabulary. His intensity and commitment in every appearance remain laudable, and his presence adds a steady heartbeat to the team’s rhythm. The arrival of Kessié introduces healthy competition in midfield, challenging the domestic position that Gavi claimed last season, and it will be intriguing to observe how the squad balance evolves with Frenkie de Jong’s role. What is evident is that Gavi will not make things easy for rivals or for teammates—he remains a relentlessly competitive presence and a source of growing talent for Barça. Against Inter Miami, he delivered a sharp goal from a corner that Memphis used before finishing with his left foot. Gavi tried to reciprocate the assist by leaving the Dutch player alone in front of goal, but the final effort went wide. Even in moments of misfortune, his eagerness to contribute is unmistakable, underscoring the high energy and creative drive he brings to the squad. The early friendlies on American soil reinforced the impression that Gavi is on a steady path of development, translating relentless work rate into meaningful contributions on match day. [Attribution: Barça press notes and match summaries]