The expanded Club World Cup has kicked off with healthy crowds, "Messi mania" and a festival atmosphere in Miami, giving an early vindication to world football body FIFA after fears of empty stands and global disinterest.

As the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield winner, Inter Miami earned a place in the 2025 Club World Cup as a host country representative. That, in turn, means Messi will be taking part in a FIFA tournament this summer, albeit one where he isn't representing Argentina.

To say Lionel Messi is by far the best player in this Inter Miami team is unfair. He is more akin to a pink human vortex through which all things bright and beautiful must pass. There is a shared understanding among his team-mates that if Messi is open to receive a pass then pass to Messi they shall,