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’s Mas drink launch at the Club World Cup reflects Spanish’s dominance across players, coaches, and culture. With over 300 South American stars and FIFA’s growing Latin presence, Spanish has become the true language of global football.

Lionel Messi drew vast crowds and showed flashes of his brilliance when his Inter Miami side were held to a goalless draw by African giants Al-Ahly as the revamped Club World Cup got off to a festive start on Saturday.

There is still magic left in Messi, but there’s only so much that he can do with a supporting cast that is so limited