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FIFA Club World Cup: Lionel Messi ready to prove he remains peerless on the world stage
Lionel Messi’s legacy as the greatest player of his generation, and one of the finest footballers ever to grace this planet, is already firmly assured.
Now, though, the diminutive Argentinian genius will look to write another glorious chapter in his fabled career at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with every game live on DAZN.
Messi, who has already won the Club World Cup on three occasions with Barcelona, will aim to help Inter Miami negotiate out of Group A and into the Round of 16.
That would certainly capture the imagination of the American sporting public and reverberate far beyond the US.
Javier Mascherano’s Herons play their opening game on Saturday against Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
That is also the venue for their final pool match against Palmeiras, with Miami’s second match against Portuguese giants Porto to be staged at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Messi, 37, is part of a legendary quartet of ex-Barcelona players at Miami, alongside former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, midfielder Sergio Busquets and left-back Jordi Alba.
Playing two games in front of their own supporters in Miami is a major bonus as master craftsman Messi looks to inspire his team to group qualification.
(Getty Images)
Few would bet against the Rosario-born icon taking centre stage, a role he seems born for, once again.
What truly great players do is to seize a football match with such a grip that they take it away from everyone else.
Time and again during the past two decades, Messi’s majestic talents have proved the difference at the very highest level for club and country.
Take his first goal for Argentina in March 2006, a delightful run and trademark curled left-foot shot against Croatia which confirmed his arrival on the international stage.
Consider his maiden club hat-trick for Barcelona against Real Madrid, which turned him into a household name.
Inter Miami
The highlight reels since those early years are endless; Olympic gold in 2008, eight Ballon d’Ors, dozens of trophies with Barcelona including four Champions League successes and 10 La Liga titles and World Cup glory with Argentina in 2022.
Messi signed for Inter Miami in July 2023 and has since proved that he still encapsulates all the qualities required to perform the playmaking role with such brilliance; stamina, skill in abundance, leadership qualities and a cool head under pressure.
His astute footballing brain remains as sharp as ever.
There is no denying Messi is one of the star attractions in a tournament which will see many of the world’s best players showcase their talents.
EFE
Messi turns 38 on June 24, by when he will either be preparing for the knockout stages or getting ready to return to play in the MLS (Major League Soccer).
As things stand, Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals in Club World Cup history with seven.
- Read next | When are Inter Miami playing at the FIFA Club World Cup? Games, schedules, kick off times
Messi, meanwhile, has scored five times in five Club World Cup appearances, encouraging hopes he can overhaul Ronaldo in his old rival’s absence this summer.
Whether or not Inter Miami can make serious progress in this year’s tournament remains to be seen, but with Messi’s educated left boot working its magic, it should be fun watching them try.
Watch all 63 matches of the 2025 Club World Cup live on DAZN. More information and to sign up for a free account here.
