Heartwarming As Ex Barcelona Teammates Xavi and Iniesta Enjoy Emotional Reunion in Japan

• Andreas Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez shared a heartwarming moment together
• Barcelona legend Iniesta will leave Japanese club Vissel Kobe next month
• Franck Kessie and Eric Garcia scored for Barca in Iniesta's farewell match

Andreas Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez shared a warm hug during the former's farewell match for Vissel Kobe on Tuesday, June 6.

Iniesta, who left Barcelona in 2018 after making over 600 appearances, turned out for the J-League outfit for the last time in a special send-off game against the Catalan giants.

The 39-year-old started the game against his boyhood club in midfield but failed to get his name on the scoresheet as Barcelona, who were crowned La Liga champions for the first time since 2019, cruised to a comfortable two-nil victory at Tokyo's National Stadium.

As ESPN reports, Iniesta was withdrawn after 80 minutes to rapturous applause from the crowd. But it was the moments leading to the start of the game that caught the attention of online users.

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He had an emotional reunion with his former teammate, Xavi, with the duo sharing a warm hug before the game and during the game, highlighting their close-knit relationship.

Footage of Xavi, Iniesta embracing

Barca lands in Japan

Sports Brief previously reported on Barcelona landed in Japan for their post-season friendly with Andres Iniesta’s Vissel Kobe.

With little time to rest after finishing their 2022/23 La Liga campaign on Sunday, the team travelled to reunite with beloved former player and captain, Iniesta and with another ex-academy player, Sergi Samper.

The match will be Iniesta’s final game for the club after announcing he is set to leave midway through the season due to a lack of playing time at the Japanese club.

Iniesta's farewell game a loss

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Iniesta said facing Barcelona was special following a friendly in Tokyo on Tuesday, as he prepares to leave Japan and continue his illustrious playing career elsewhere.

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Iniesta made over 600 appearances for Barcelona, winning the Champions League four times and claiming nine La Liga titles before joining Japan's Vissel Kobe in 2018.

The 39-year-old will leave Kobe after five years next month and has said he intends to keep playing but does not know where his next move will be.