A sneak peek into FC Barcelona’s first practice at Inter Miami’s Fort Lauderdale grounds

If there was any doubt that FC Barcelona is soccer royalty, the scene at the Inter Miami training facility Sunday morning confirmed it.

Barca and its 165-person delegation arrived in Fort Lauderdale from Spain Saturday night and a large media contingent showed up to chronicle the team’s first practice of its two-week U.S. summer tour. A few dozen security guards patrolled the parking lot, where the team’s customized mega-bus was parked.

The sides of the colorful bus were emblazoned with: “Barca in the US. Summer Tour 2022. Mes Que Un Club” (More Than a Club, in Catalan) and, of course, the team sponsors’ logos. The short training session was closed to the public, but a passionate group of fans awaited their heroes outside the security perimeter and were treated to selfies and autographs.

Barcelona will play a friendly match against Inter Miami at sold-out DRV PNK Stadium on Tuesday at 8 p.m., the first of four matches the Spanish team will play on U.S. soil. The club will also hold a ticketed open training session Monday at 7 p.m. at the stadium.

There is a chance fans will get their first look at two-time FIFA Men’s Player of the Year Robert Lewandowski in a Barca shirt. The club finalized a $50.4 million transfer deal for the Polish Bayern Munich star, and he was scheduled to join the team in South Florida on Sunday afternoon. Lewandowski scored 344 goals in 375 games over eight years with Bayern.

Coach Xavi Hernandez is also expected to arrive in the next day or two after being delayed with passport issues.

Right back Sergi Roberto spoke to the Herald after training and said he is eager to get Lewandowski in camp.

“He’s going to bring us goals, lots of goals,” Roberto said, smiling. “Without a doubt that is his forte and that will serve us very well. This tour is important to prepare for the upcoming season, and to integrate new players. For us to come to Miami is always fun. I love it, seeing other cities and meeting our fans from all over the world.”

Roberto said he and his teammates were impressed with Inter Miami’s $50 million training facility. He said he keeps up with MLS, and Inter Miami in particular, partly because two former Barca executives – Xavi Asensi and Victor Oliver -- now work for Inter Miami. He knew about the stadium plans at Miami Freedom Park.

“They have very good players, and now they added (Alejandro) Pozuelo, who is a Spanish player I know,” Roberto said. “I also know Gonzalo Higuain. They have players who have played in Spain and have great quality. I also like coach Phil Neville’s philosophy. It seems they are doing things the right way and it should be a great game.”

Before the training session began, 50 children from the Barça Academy PRO Miami had their picture taken with the players and later watched the workout.

“I’ve been with this club for 16 years, so I am used to the pressure that comes with wearing the Barca uniform,” Roberto said. “Players come and go, but the pressure and all that goes along with Barca is always there. It’s something we live with, and it’s good for us because we know a lot of people are watching us and that motivates us to give our best.”

For tickets to the open training session, visit intermiamicf.com