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FIFA’s $1 Billion Baby, Club World Cup, Facing A Number Of Challenges

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup begins on June 14 in the United States featuring 32 teams in an expanded format, with Inter Miami hosting the opening game against Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
FIFA selected Inter Miami as the host team despite them not winning the 2024 MLS Cup, a decision influenced by their 2023 Supporters Shield win and the desire to showcase star players like Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami, coached by Javier Mascherano and including veterans like Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba , hopes to measure themselves against top clubs in Group A featuring Palmeiras, FC Porto, and Al Ahly.
Messi, who has scored five goals in past Club World Cups and has 10 MLS goals and six assists this season, said, "Having the chance to be part of it is exciting" while aiming to break several tournament records amid concerns about player workload and competition quality.
The tournament offers $1 billion in prize money with up to $40 million for the winner, broadcasting via TNT Sports and DAZN, but faces challenges including lagging ticket sales, calendar congestion concerns, and questions about the event's prominence compared to the FIFA World Cup.

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El Mundo

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The World Cup of 1 Billion: Madrid and City Spending 126 Million for the Boat of 157, Technological advances...

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ESPN

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Messi on CWC: Expectations different with Miami

Lionel Messi shared that he has different expectations with Inter Miami going into the 2025 Club World Cup than when competing previously with other teams.

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Sueddeutsche Zeitung

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Bloomberg

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The FIFA Club World Cup's Biggest Enemy Is Its Creator

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19 hours ago·United States

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Sportskeeda

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Lionel Messi could break record held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Pele at 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

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Forbes

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FIFA’s $1 Billion Baby, Club World Cup, Facing A Number Of Challenges

The Club World Cup, which kicks off Saturday with $1 billion in prizes, faces many challenges. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF will play in the opener.

2 days ago·United States

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