Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has revealed he will approach the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup with a different mindset compared to his previous appearances in the tournament.
Speaking ahead of Inter Miami's opening match against Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner expressed his excitement while acknowledging the contrast in his expectations.
"It's a beautiful tournament. It's exciting to be here, to play in it," Messi stated. "But it's with a different mindset than when I played it with other teams. Still, I'm full of energy and hope, looking forward to competing against the best and performing well."
The Argentine superstar highlighted the significance of this year's competition, which will feature an expanded format with 32 teams for the first time in the tournament's history.
Messi's Club World Cup Legacy
This will mark Messi's fourth appearance in the Club World Cup, a tournament he previously won three times with Barcelona. His experience with the Catalan giants stands in contrast to his current journey with Inter Miami, representing a different chapter in his illustrious career.
Reports suggest Messi could potentially break records held by football legends Pelé and Cristiano Ronaldo during this tournament, adding another layer of anticipation to his participation.
Meanwhile, Al Ahly's Mahmoud Hassan 'Trezeguet' has issued a warning to Messi and other star players, stating: "We don't care about big names." This sets the stage for an intriguing opening match as the Egyptian powerhouse aims to upset the MLS side.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will also feature European giants Real Madrid and Chelsea, among other continental champions, as they compete for global club football supremacy in the United States.
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