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Time of India

At Club World Cup, Lionel Messi's Mas and Spanish take center stage

Image via Instagram Lionel Messi 's energy drink launch, Mas by Messi , at the Chase Stadium in Florida wasn't just another branding event. It underscored how Spanish has become the unofficial language of the FIFA Club World Cup. The presence of Messi, Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas, and Argentina legend Javier Zanetti made the moment more than promotional, it marked a cultural shift that's been brewing for years. Lionel Messi headlines Club World Cup as Spanish-speaking stars, coaches, and media take center stage The Club World Cup's opening night made one thing obvious, Spanish is no longer just a dominant football language, it's the language of elite football. The event was held in South Florida, where the Hispanic influence is built into the city's infrastructure, economy, and daily life. The fans in attendance, many draped in Lionel Messi's Argentina and Inter Miami jerseys, mirrored the demographic makeup of the tournament itself. Over 300 South American players are participating in this edition of the Club World Cup. Argentina alone has contributed 105 players, with 47 of them playing outside the country. Coaches, media members, and support staff are also overwhelmingly Spanish-speaking. Two days before kickoff, Gianni Infantino delivered his address in Spanish. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The pre-match music was Latin club-style. Even the crowd chants echoed South American rhythms. This isn't limited to location or music, it extends to tactics, management, and communication. Spanish is the most spoken language in the locker rooms. Lionel Messi once said Kylian Mbappé would have no trouble at Paris Saint-Germain because 'he speaks perfect Spanish.' Kalvin Phillips struggled at Manchester City partly because he didn't speak Spanish. That detail matters when a club employs seven Spanish-speaking coaches. John Stones took Spanish lessons. Erling Haaland started studying Spanish before he even signed. It's tactical too. Pep Guardiola's football ideology continues to shape world football, and that tactical language has Spanish roots. Graham Potter and Enzo Maresca are both considered part of this coaching wave that leans on Spanish principles. Luis Enrique's success at Paris Saint-Germain involved breaking the language divide in the squad.