Amidst concerns regarding ticket sales and player fatigue, FIFA’s newly expanded Club World Cup is set to unveil numerous captivating narratives this summer in the United States.
AFP Sport highlights five key elements to watch on the pitch as teams strive for global supremacy and seek a share of the staggering $1 billion prize money on offer.
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Messi back under the spotlight
After two seasons at MLS outfit Inter Miami, former Barcelona icon Lionel Messi finds himself facing European foes once more in the Club World Cup.
At 37, the legendary forward maintains impressive quality, yet there are doubts over whether he and fellow footballing greats Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets can truly stand up to the world’s elite.
Inter Miami’s second group match will see them take on Porto in Atlanta, a side Messi has previously faced, having triumphed over them with Barça in the UEFA Super Cup back in 2011.
Moreover, Messi’s first-ever appearance for Barcelona came against Porto in a friendly back in 2003 when he was just 16.
If he finds the net in this tournament, Messi will become the oldest goalscorer in Club World Cup history, while he and Suarez trail the all-time leading scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo, by just two goals.
A fresh platform for Doue
Desire Doue, the thrilling forward who played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final victory against Inter Milan, has emerged as a standout player to watch this summer, having celebrated his 20th birthday in June.
His meteoric rise in recent months saw him score twice and assist another goal in the final, drawing comparisons with Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal, who unfortunately won’t be in attendance as Barcelona failed to qualify.
Doue has the opportunity to dazzle once more in PSG’s opening match against Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, as the footballing world continues to take notice of his remarkable talent.
A revamped City
Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, had a disappointing season by their own high standards and wasted no time in enhancing their squad for the Club World Cup in the recent transfer window.
The club, owned by Abu Dhabi, has already invested over £100 million in acquiring Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki.
With holding midfielder Rodri returning to full fitness after injury, City hopes to significantly elevate their performance.
21-year-old French attacking midfielder Cherki represents an exciting prospect eager to showcase his skills at the highest level.
“I genuinely believe he can become a world-class player with our guidance and support,” commented City’s director of football, Hugo Viana.
South American prowess
While Europe’s elite teams are winding down from a grueling season, South American clubs are just hitting their stride, full of energy and determination.
These clubs highly value the competition, as it presents a chance to compete against some of the finest teams globally.
For fans unfamiliar with South American football, the tournament will unveil exciting emerging talents.
Franco Mastantuono, River Plate’s Argentine playmaker, is set to join Real Madrid after the tournament, while Chelsea-bound striker Estevao Willian aims to conclude his tenure with Brazilian side Palmeiras on a high note.
Atletico’s ambition
Atletico Madrid concluded the season without silverware, despite being viewed as strong contenders in both Spain and Europe.
Coach Diego Simeone is proud of leading his team to the tournament ahead of La Liga rivals Barcelona and has expressed his aspirations for success this summer.
“I hope we can progress in the Club World Cup and elevate Atletico Madrid to a prestigious position,” Simeone stated.
Having not lifted a trophy since winning La Liga in 2021, Atletico’s last achievement outside Spanish football came in 2018 with victories in the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup.
Their elimination by Real Madrid in the Champions League, following Julian Alvarez’s contentious ‘double-touch’ penalty call, plunged them into a slump, from which they only managed to recover in the closing weeks of the season after their chances of success had diminished.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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