BEIJING, China (AFP) — Spanish champions Barcelona yesterday finished their pre-season Asia tour with a 3-0 win over Beijing Guoan, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi given a rousing reception during his first-half cameo.

Tens of thousands of fans turned out for the friendly at the Bird’s Nest, played on the second anniversary of the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics — most of them hoping for a moment of brilliance from Barca’s prize forward.

Messi, who led Argentina to Olympic gold in Beijing, did not score, but he had several opportunities, including one that hit the post. The crowd roared every time he touched the ball.

The Catalan club — who played in China without eight members of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad — drew first blood with a goal in the 10th minute by Sergi Roberto.

Three minutes later, Nolito found the back of the net to make it 2-0.

In the second half Barca mainly sent on reserves at the 80,000-capacity Bird’s Nest, which appeared to be a bit more than half-full.

Guoan, the reigning Chinese Super League champions, mounted several decent attacks throughout the game, led by Honduran forward Walter Martinez and Australian brothers Ryan and Joel Griffiths.

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored Barca’s final goal just before full-time.

Messi, who had a frustrating World Cup, scored two goals in Barca’s 5-2 win over the K-League All-Stars in Seoul on Wednesday as part of Barcelona’s Asia tour.

His appearance in South Korea had been in doubt, as coach Pep Guardiola said Messi was not match-fit.

But the club made a quick about-face after a meeting with furious promoters, saying he had made “good progress” in training and was ready after all.

Barca, however, were forced to pay a 200,000-euro penalty as Messi only played 15 minutes in Seoul — less than the time stipulated in the contract, the club said.

They paid a further 100,000 euros because of the absence of midfielder Xavi, a member of the Spanish World Cup squad.