In the world of soccer, there's a long-standing adage: No player is bigger than the club. However, during the recently expanded FIFA Club World Cup held in Atlanta, Georgia, this saying was challenged as fans pondered a different question: Can a player be bigger than the tournament? The player at the center of this discussion was none other than Lionel Messi, whose presence drew a crowd of 31,783 eager supporters to witness his team, Inter Miami, face off against the Portuguese powerhouse, FC Porto.
Before the match kicked off, it was clear that Messi's allure transcends geography. Attendees hailed from various parts of the United States, including Louisiana, Alabama, Charleston, Washington D.C., and Buffalo, as well as international fans from Puerto Rico and Dublin, Ireland. Many traveled great distances, driven by the singular allure of watching Messi play, despite one fan insisting, “we are here for the football!” Nevertheless, when Messi was introduced 30 minutes before the game, the excitement in the stadium felt electric, echoing the atmosphere of a sold-out venue.
As the match commenced, each touch of the ball from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was met with sounds of awe from the crowd, including chants of “Me-ssi!” and even a surprising lack of a “Happy Birthday” serenade for the superstar, who turns 38 soon. Despite a slow start, the match gained momentum in the second half. Inter Miami found themselves trailing at halftime due to a penalty scored by Porto’s Samu Aghehowa. Messi's reaction to the goal suggested frustration, but that quickly turned into determination.
Just two minutes into the second half, Inter Miami leveled the score with a goal from Telasco Segovia. Then, in a decisive moment, Messi took the stage. He won a free kick just outside the box, causing the crowd to buzz with anticipation. With his signature finesse, Messi curled the ball into the corner of the net, showcasing the skills that have made him a global icon. This goal was not only a masterpiece but also marked Messi's 50th goal for Inter Miami, a significant milestone for the club.
This stunning goal not only secured the victory for Inter Miami but also marked a historic moment in the tournament: it was the first time a team from the CONCACAF region had defeated a European side in a competitive match. Looking ahead, a draw in their final group game against Brazilian team Palmeiras next Monday will ensure Inter Miami's advancement to the knockout phase.
As FIFA seeks to expand the global appeal of soccer, Messi's involvement has already proven invaluable. The governing body fast-tracked Inter Miami's participation in the 32-team tournament, not through winning the MLS Cup, but via the Supporters' Shield, a pathway that ultimately leads to the postseason. Last year, Inter Miami faced an early exit in the playoffs, but now, with Messi leading the charge, the club is making its mark on this prestigious international stage.
With the FIFA Club World Cup set to occur every four years, the potential for growth and increased significance is promising. Messi's performances have turned the spotlight on this tournament, evidenced by the over 60,000 fans who attended the opening match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Co-owner David Beckham's involvement has also helped raise the franchise's profile since its inception in 2018.
The impact of Messi extends beyond his dazzling skills; it resonates deeply with his teammates. After the match, Inter Miami winger Fafà Picault described Messi with three words: “leader, winner, and winner again.” He emphasized that Messi's leadership is often expressed through actions rather than words, reflecting the profound influence the superstar has on his team.
In summary, Lionel Messi's presence at the FIFA Club World Cup is more than just a spectacle; it marks a new chapter for the tournament and underscores the notion that, at least for now, one player can indeed be bigger than the event itself.
