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Barcelona to host Boca Juniors in next Joan Gamper Trophy game

Boca Juniors have accepted Barcelona's invitation to compete at the Joan Gamper Trophy in August, according to the Argentine club's president, Daniel Angelici.

Named for Swiss footballer and Barcelona's founder and former club president, Joan Gamper, the annual friendly is hosted by Barcelona at the Camp Nou before the start of the La Liga season.

"It's confirmed and unless something unusual happens, we will be travelling in August to Barcelona to play it," Angelici told Argentinian Radio Cooperativa. "Boca has to return to play those international games. We don't do it for money but for prestige.

"It's going to be a challenge. We are going to play against one of the best teams in the world of the decade. It will also be an opportunity to see where our squad is at then."

Boca have not lifted the Gamper Trophy in their past five appearances. Their most recent was in 2008, when they lost 2-1 to Barcelona.

Talks of Boca's possible sixth appearance began in August 2016 when Angelici met with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu at the Camp Nou.

Last summer, Brazilian side Chapecoense was invited for the first time to compete for the Gamper Trophy as a tribute to the 71 players and staff who died in a plane crash in November 2016.

Barca have not yet confirmed a date for this year's instalment of the annual friendly, which usually takes place in early to mid-August.