Messi meets Fukushima locals

Barcelona’s star-studded team took time out on their visit to Japan to meet eleven survivors of the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster.

The likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas presented the group of children – aged between nine and 18 – with Barcelona shirts at the training ground of J-League outfit Yokohama Marinos.

The youngsters are now living at a school in Tokyo as they wait to see when they can return home.

But their minds were taken off their problems, as they enjoyed the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the biggest stars in world football.

They watched the team train before the meet and greet session.

Barcelona are in Japan for the Club World Cup, with Pep Guardiola’s side to face Al Sadd of Qatar on Thursday for a place in the final.