The new-look FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) has begun, kicking off with a goalless game between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Al Ahly.
While many would have expected the Argentine legend to be named “man of the match”, it was Miami’s goalkeeper that took home the accolade – Oscar Ustari made eight saves, including one from the penalty spot.
Messi almost won the match late on with a long-range effort, only for Al Ahly keeper Mohamed El Shenawy to turn his effort on to the bar.
Also in attendance was the newly knighted David Beckham – or Sir David as he will soon be known.
Before its revamp for the 2025 tournament, the Club World Cup took place every winter and was contested by the winners of continental club competitions around the world.
It will now take place every four years. FIFA has faced criticism around the 32-team tournament, with some players raising concerns about the relentless fixture schedule.
Europe has 12 clubs in the tournament, including Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester City. Their spaces were allocated based on performances in the Champions League over four seasons.
Chelsea and City have already played 57 matches this season – now up to seven more have been added. It is why – in plans first revealed by Sky News in 2023 – global players’ union FIFPRO has launched a legal challenge claiming FIFA has abused a dominant position to risk the health of players.
Read more:
Politics and controversy behind FIFA’s CWC
The ultimate guide to the tournament
A backdrop of unrest in America
The CWC begins against the backdrop of immigration raids and violent protests in Los Angeles with concerns fans could be targeted or denied entry to FIFA events.
It also the first time a major game has returned to the Hard Rock stadium in 11 months.
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The last match, the Copa America final saw ticketless fans breaching security gates and jumping over railings to enter the stadium, delaying kick off for 80 minutes.
