Despite worries regarding ticket sales and player exhaustion, FIFA’s newly expanded Club World Cup promises to unveil a host of captivating narratives this summer in the United States.
AFP Sport highlights five key elements to keep an eye on as teams vie for global supremacy and a share of the staggering $1 billion prize pool.
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Messi Steps Back into the Limelight
Former Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has spent the last two seasons with MLS outfit Inter Miami, yet the Club World Cup sees him once again facing off against European opposition.
The 37-year-old maestro still showcases remarkable talent, but doubts linger over whether he and fellow ex-elite players like Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets can truly compete with the best of the best.
Inter Miami is set to clash with Porto in their second group match in Atlanta—a team Messi has previously faced and vanquished with Barça in the UEFA Super Cup back in 2011.
Messi also encountered Porto in a friendly match with Barça back in 2003, marking his inaugural appearance for the club at the tender age of 16.
If he scores during the tournament, Messi would become the oldest ever goalscorer in the Club World Cup, while both he and Suarez trail the competition’s all-time leading scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo, by just two goals.
A New Platform for Doue
Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final triumph over Inter Milan was propelled by the electrifying talent of Desire Doue, who celebrated his 20th birthday earlier this June.
His meteoric rise over the past few months positions him as one of the standout players to watch at the Club World Cup this summer.
Doue netted two goals and assisted another in the final against Inter, drawing comparisons to Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal, who won’t be participating this summer due to Barcelona’s failure to qualify.
PSG’s opening match against Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles presents another opportunity for Doue to shine as his remarkable skill gains exposure on a global platform.
Manchester City’s Revamp
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City faced a disappointing season by their lofty standards, prompting immediate action in the special transfer window to strengthen their squad for the Club World Cup.
The Abu Dhabi-owned club has already invested over £100 million in Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki.
With holding midfielder Rodri also recovering from injury, City aims to elevate their performance significantly.
French 21-year-old attacking midfielder Cherki is an exciting prospect eager to showcase his talent on the grand stage.
“I truly believe he has the potential to become a world-class player with our guidance and support,” said City’s director of football, Hugo Viana.
South American Prowess
While Europe’s top clubs are winding down from a grueling season, South American teams are in the midst of their campaigns and bringing fresh energy to the competition.
South American clubs hold this tournament in high esteem, viewing it as a vital opportunity to challenge the world’s elite teams.
Fans unfamiliar with South American football can anticipate discovering some of the world’s most thrilling emerging talents.
River Plate’s Argentine playmaker Franco Mastantuono is set to join Real Madrid after the tournament, while Chelsea-bound striker Estevao Willian hopes to leave a lasting impression as he bids farewell to Brazilian club Palmeiras.
Atletico’s Drive
Atletico Madrid concluded the season without silverware despite appearing to be strong contenders in both La Liga and Europe.
Diego Simeone’s team is proud to have made it to the tournament ahead of La Liga rivals Barcelona, and the coach is openly aiming for success this summer.
“I hope we can progress in the Club World Cup and elevate Atletico Madrid to a distinguished position,” expressed Simeone.
Atletico has not secured a single trophy since claiming La Liga in 2021, and their last success outside Spanish competitions came in 2018 with victories in the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup.
A controversial ‘double-touch’ penalty that was disallowed for Julian Alvarez led to their elimination by Real Madrid in the Champions League and sent them into a tailspin, which they only began to overcome in the season’s closing weeks, after their chances for success had effectively dissipated.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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