Why The Club World Cup’s Success Largely Rests On Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami

When the next FIFA Club World Cup rolls around in 2029, 41-year-old Lionel Messi almost certainly won’t be involved. Inter Miami, a club 30 years younger than Argentina’s great man, might not be playing either, depending on the sort of stars it has assembled by then.

Still, Messi is now 37—turning 38 this June 24—and Inter Miami is alive and kicking in FIFA’s new-look competition after the Barcelona legend’s pin-point free-kick secured a win against Porto on Thursday. As well as leaping closer to the last 16, how far Miami and Messi run in the Club World Cup will impact the tournament’s success and, consequently, its future.

Approaching a week since kick-off, the Club World Cup has endured its share of criticism, especially from a European standpoint: another commitment for tiring players after a long domestic season, searing heat affecting performance levels, FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino wanting to exercise their power and generate as much money as possible. Does it democratize the world game or make professional soccer more elitist? Does the planet even need this tournament?

On the surface, rows of empty seats during many fixtures don’t look good. Although games have been more full than not on average, there were reportedly over 400,000 vacant from the opening round of games. There is a context here, though. FIFA most likely overestimated the popularity of this spectacle, with initially high pricing and the massive stadiums harder to fill. Then you factor in some fans needing to prove their legal status to attend. FIFA has naturally put a positive spin on attendance.

The Messi-Inter Miami Effect

Amid all that, contests with South American teams have seen fervent crowds. And, from FIFA’s perspective, Inter Miami (considered a home side) going deep into the tournament would further local interest—good news. The fact Miami is a non-European participant against the backdrop of European clubs tipped to dominate accentuates that point. Indeed, challenging those sides raises the profile of Major League Soccer and tilts the balance a little.

Whether coach Javier Mascherano’s squad can topple one or two favorites is an interesting question. Household names Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez accompany Messi in the lineup. And while all are nearing the denouement of their playing careers, they can win something prestigious (relatively speaking) again. 36-year-old Busquets barely sweats as the pass-master in midfield. Alba still looks able to get up and down the wing. The number nine, Suárez, appears a little labored yet still has that tigerish spirit. Meanwhile, youngster Telasco Segovia has stood out—in a formation where players cluster around the ball.

Of course, Messi is the creative spark around whom everything takes off. His presence alone wasn’t enough to sell out expensive tickets at Hard Rock Stadium in the curtain raiser against Al-Ahly. Yet, in a climate where individuals alone can market a team or competition, his continuation increases the Club World Cup’s popular appeal. Viewers may also buy into the narrative of Messi, in his twilight years, potentially winning one last international trophy.

It’s easy for traditionalists, particularly on the other side of the Atlantic, to shun the Club World Cup. From the U.S.-style individual player entrances onto the field to host broadcaster DAZN encouraging fan interactions during games through comments and polls, it’s a little different for some. As referenced, Inter Miami—pretty in pink—is one of the young clubs and surrounded by sides that have existed for well over a century.

Even though Messi may not be there for the long haul, FIFA needs him, the biggest megastar of all, playing for an Inter Miami entity with the majority of its history still to write. Then, the Club World Cup can properly usher in a new era.