Top 5 Club World Cup Storylines: Messi Back In Spotlight As New Era Begins For Manchester City

‎Despite concerns over ticket sales and player fatigue, FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup is set to bring some compelling storylines this summer in the United States.

‎The tournament promises exciting clashes as teams compete for the title and a share of the $1 billion prize pool.

‎Sportxparte highlights five key moments to watch for on the pitch.

‎Messi Back In The Spotlight Again

‎Lionel Messi, the legendary former Barcelona star, has spent the last two seasons at MLS club Inter Miami.

‎The upcoming Club World Cup will once again see him facing European opposition.

‎While Messi still displays top-level skill, questions remain about whether he and his former Barcelona teammates, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, can compete with the world’s best.

‎Inter Miami face Porto in their second group match in Atlanta, a team Messi has faced once before, beating them with Barça in the UEFA Super Cup back in 2011.

‎Messi also featured against Porto in a friendly with Barça back in 2003, which was his first ever appearance for the club at 16 years old.

‎If he scores during the tournament, Messi would set the record as the oldest-ever goalscorer in the Club World Cup. Both he and Suarez are currently two goals behind the competition’s all-time top scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo.

‎A new stage for Youngster Doue

‎Paris Saint-Germain’s commanding win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final was captivated by the energetic forward Desire Doue, who celebrated his 20th birthday earlier this month

‎His impressive rise to prominence in recent months has made him one of the key players to watch this summer at the Club World Cup.

‎Desire Doue scored twice and provided an assist in the Champions League final against Inter, earning comparisons to Spanish starlet Lamine Yamal, who is absent this summer due to Barcelona’s non-qualification.

‎His impressive performances have made him one of the standout young talents to watch at the Club World Cup.

‎PSG’s upcoming opener against Atlético Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles offers Doue another stage to demonstrate his immense ability to the world.

‎City’s New Era Begins

‎Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City had a challenging season by their high standards and quickly responded in the transfer window to strengthen their squad for the Club World Cup.

‎The Abu Dhabi-owned club has already spent over £100 million on new signings, including Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki.

‎With holding midfielder Rodri also returning to fitness after injury, City are hoping they can step up their game significantly.

‎French 21-year-old attacking midfielder Cherki is an exciting talent looking to show his quality at the top level.

‎”I really believe he can become a world-class player with our support and direction,” said City’s director of football Hugo Viana.

‎South American Clubs’ threat

‎While Europe’s top clubs are wrapping up a long and demanding season, South American teams are midway through their campaigns and will be energized.

‎Historically, South American clubs have valued the competition more highly than their European counterparts, viewing it as a prime opportunity to face the world’s best teams.

‎Fans who do not regularly follow South American football can look forward to discovering some of the most exciting emerging talents in the world.

‎River Plate’s Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono will transfer to Real Madrid after the tournament. While Chelsea-bound striker Estevao Willian is aiming to conclude his stint at Palmeiras on a high note.

‎Atletico Enters With Hunger

‎Atletico Madrid ended the season without winning a trophy, despite showing promise as contenders in Spain and Europe.

‎The team is proud of having qualified for the tournament ahead of their La Liga rivals, Barcelona.

‎Coach Diego Simeone has made it clear that he is eager to achieve success this summer.

‎”I hope we can advance in the Club World Cup and lead Atletico Madrid to a privileged position,” said Simeone.

‎Atletico have not won a single trophy since lifting La Liga in 2021, and their last success outside of Spanish football came in 2018 with Europa League and UEFA Super Cup wins.

‎Their elimination by Real Madrid in the Champions League, following Julian Alvarez’s controversial ‘double-touch’ penalty that was disallowed, sent them into a downward spiral. It wasn’t until the final weeks of the season, after their chances of success had disappeared, that they were able to recover.