⚽ Five Things to Watch as the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Kicks Off in the U.S.
Despite concerns around ticket sales and player fatigue, the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup officially kicks off in the United States, promising high drama, new stars, and fierce global competition for a staggering $1 billion prize pool. Here are five compelling storylines to watch:
⭐ 1. Messi’s Final Dance on the World Stage?
Lionel Messi, now 37, leads Inter Miami against elite European opposition for possibly the last time in his career.
While joined by ex-Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, the question looms: Can they still compete at the highest level?
Inter Miami’s key clash is against Porto in Atlanta — a team Messi last faced competitively during the 2011 UEFA Super Cup. A goal from him would make him the oldest scorer in Club World Cup history, narrowing the gap with Cristiano Ronaldo, the tournament’s top scorer.
🔥 2. The Rise of PSG’s Desire Doue
Fresh off PSG’s Champions League final win, 20-year-old Desire Doue is tipped as the breakout star of the Club World Cup.
Having scored twice and assisted once in the final against Inter Milan, Doue is drawing global comparisons to Lamine Yamal. PSG’s opening test comes against Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles — another chance for Doue to shine under the spotlight.
🏗️ 3. Guardiola’s Revamped Manchester City
After a sub-par domestic season, Manchester City has rebuilt with over £100 million spent on Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki. With midfield engine Rodri returning from injury, City is back to prove they remain Europe’s top dog.
Rayan Cherki, at just 21, is the wild card. City’s director of football Hugo Viana believes Cherki “can become a world-class player.”
🌎 4. South America’s Energized Challenge
Unlike fatigued European squads, South American clubs enter mid-season — energized and determined.
Clubs like River Plate and Palmeiras have much to prove. Fans should keep an eye on:
- 🇦🇷 Franco Mastantuono (River Plate) – bound for Real Madrid after the tournament.
- 🇧🇷 Estevão Willian (Palmeiras) – soon to join Chelsea and hoping to leave Brazil in style.
South American sides often treat this tournament with more prestige than their European counterparts, and that hunger could shake up the competition.
🔴 5. Atletico Madrid’s Redemption Mission
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid enters the tournament with something to prove after a trophyless season and a controversial Champions League exit to Real Madrid.
Simeone is determined:
“I hope we can advance in the Club World Cup and lead Atletico Madrid to a privileged position.”
Having last lifted a major title in 2021 (La Liga), Atletico seeks international silverware to cap a rocky campaign.
