The Club World Cup is a very exciting tournament.
"It's exciting that we have the opportunity to participate in this tournament. The Club World Cup is very interesting. My expectations at Inter Miami are different from when I played for other teams (like Barcelona) in this tournament before. But I have the motivation and desire to compete with the best teams and play as well as I can," Messi said about his participation in the Club World Cup with Inter Miami.
Messi and his Inter Miami teammates are ready for the opening match.
Club World Cup
Photo: Reuters
Previously, when he was still playing for Barcelona, Messi won the Club World Cup 3 times in the old version in 2009, 2011 and 2015. His close teammates, who will soon turn 38 (on June 24), such as Busquets, also won the tournament 3 times in similar years. Meanwhile, Suarez and Alba won the tournament in 2015, both with Barcelona.
The "magic four" currently play for Inter Miami in the US, but unexpectedly they have the opportunity to participate in the new version of FIFA's Club World Cup, with 32 of the world's top clubs competing. Inter Miami is included thanks to the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield championship and as representatives of the host country, the US.
"This tournament brings together the best teams from Europe, and it's also an opportunity for South American clubs and developing teams like our Inter Miami to compete. European clubs are elite, top teams, and already have a huge fan base in the United States.
That's their advantage. As I said before, they also have the best players in the world. So it's a great opportunity to face them and it's a great experience for both the players on the pitch and the fans in the stands," Messi emphasized.
Inter Miami could be a very interesting “dark horse” at the Club World Cup
Photo: Reuters
He also said: "For Inter Miami, this is the first time the team has participated in such a big tournament. This is also a new tournament and there are many differences. But it is also an opportunity for us to compete. The fans will also have a great opportunity to see the best players compete right in the United States. And really, it is an incredible experience to be able to live and breathe the atmosphere of such a tournament."
In the Club World Cup group stage, Messi and Inter Miami are in Group A, they will have the honor of playing the opening match against the African opponent Al Ahly (Egypt) at 7:00 am on June 15 (Vietnam time), at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Next, Messi and his teammates will meet 2 strong opponents, Porto of Portugal (2:00 am, June 20) and Palmeiras from Brazil (8:00 am, June 24), both Vietnam time.
What's special about the Club World Cup opening ceremony?
Just before Messi and Inter Miami's opening match against Al Ahly, the Club World Cup opening ceremony at the Hard Rock Stadium was announced by FIFA to feature rap music and vibrant Latin tunes.
Hard Rock Stadium one day before Club World Cup opening ceremony
Photo: Reuters
FIFA has invited talented emerging artists such as Vikina and Richaelio to perform at the opening ceremony, while Miami legend Emilio Estefan Jr. will serve as a producer.
Hip hop stars French Montana and Swae Lee will also be on hand to bring their energy "to the fans' feet before the opening match", FIFA said.
"The ceremony will be a vibrant prelude to a tournament that promises to be exciting, dramatic and full of goals, a dream and eternal glory for the Club World Cup champion," said FIFA's Events Director, Heimo Schirgi.
Also according to the world football body, the Club World Cup final (played on July 14 at MetLife Stadium) will feature the first performance in football history, which is the "halftime show". This is a form similar to the Super Bowl final of the famous American football.
The "Halftime Show" will also be hosted by FIFA at the 2026 World Cup final on July 19, 2026, also held at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey (USA).
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thong-diep-cua-messi-ve-club-world-cup-khang-dinh-tham-vong-va-canh-tranh-185250614110947393.htm
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