The expanded Club World Cup has kicked off with healthy crowds, "Messi mania" and a festival atmosphere in Miami, giving an early vindication to world football body FIFA after fears of empty stands and global disinterest.

To say Lionel Messi is by far the best player in this Inter Miami team is unfair. He is more akin to a pink human vortex through which all things bright and beautiful must pass. There is a shared understanding among his team-mates that if Messi is open to receive a pass then pass to Messi they shall,

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami drew 0-0 against Al Ahly in the FIFA Club World Cup opening game last night. Nearly 38, Messi's time in soccer is nearly over, and despite playing multiple games in the span of a few weeks,

The expanded Club World Cup has kicked off with healthy crowds, "Messi mania" and a festival atmosphere in Miami, giving an early vindication to world football body FIFA after fears of empty stands and global disinterest.