Messi Magic in FIFA Club World Cup — Argentina star looks to inspire Miami to realise another American dream

The Hindu

15 hours ago

When Lionel Messi made his surprise move to Inter Miami in July 2023, the club was just around five-and-a-half years old, reeling in the depths of the Major League Soccer (MLS) Eastern Conference table and written off for the season.
However, the Argentine wasted no time making his presence felt, scoring 10 goals in his first seven games, and just over a month later, Miami secured its first-ever piece of silverware - the Leagues Cup.
The following season, surrounded by his old Barcelona teammates, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Messi led Miami as it went on to set the MLS single-season points record and clinch the MLS Supporters' Shield.
While its journey in the MLS Playoffs was cut short by Atlanta United, the record-breaking feat earned it a spot in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup 2025 to be held in the United States from June 14.
Bigger stage, tougher opponents
Despite the wealth of experience amongst the players, Messi and Co. will be wary of the stark difference in the quality of opponents when the CWC kicks off on Sunday.
The Herons have been grouped with Al Ahly, Palmeiras and Porto FC in Group A and are clearly the underdogs, something that will be unusual, especially for the former Barcelona players.
Egyptian club Al Ahly is coming into the tournament after winning three of the last four African Champions League titles, while Brazilian side Palmeiras booked its spot after winning the CONMEBOL Libertadores in 2021.
And finally, Portuguese giant Porto secured a spot through the UEFA ranking pathway as one of the best sides in Europe over the last four years.
Despite the uphill task, Miami head coach and Messi's former teammate Javier Mascherano believes that his side is capable of making a statement in the summer tournament.
'This club has had a short life, but this is the most important competition in the history of our club,' Mascherano said.
'It is only normal that a European team should win the competition, but these tournaments can spring a surprise. Why can we not be excited that we can spring a surprise?' he added.
Irreplaceable impact
While many believed that Messi's move to the MLS was an indication of his career coming to an end, the 37-year-old has shown no signs of stopping.
In fact, his impact on US soil has been undeniable.
In 59 appearances for the club so far in all competitions, Messi has already topped Miami's record list for most goals and assists with 49 and 24, respectively.
In the league last season, he recorded an outrageous 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 appearances and also took home the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award.
And while Miami might have the least chances of making it out of its group, Messi's presence has redefined its ambitions as it prepares to go toe-to-toe with heavyweights from around the world. Moreover, he will be keen to keep record of never going out in the group stage of a tournament intact.
Miami might be the youngest team (in terms of when the club was established) in the competition, but with the 'little boy from Rosario' leading its charge, no dream is too big.