Former Argentina striker Sergio Aguero has explained why superstar forward Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have been included in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The 37-year-old claimed that his compatriot’s massive worldwide appeal made it imperative for football’s apex governing body to involve the Herons in the tournament.
The Club World Cup is set to be played in a new and expanded format for the first time this summer. The group stage will include 32 teams, including Real Madrid, Boca Juniors, Al-Hilal, Wydad AC, and many others.
On the back of their 2024 MLS regular season triumph, Inter Miami were confirmed as participants at the CWC, which is set to take place on American soil. Messi played an integral role in that successful campaign, racking up 23 goals and 13 assists in just 25 games.
Even as he enters the twilight of his career, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to draw huge crowds whenever he plays. Aguero acknowledged the legendary forward’s legacy, claiming that the inclusion of Inter Miami will help draw more attention to the game.
Speaking to FIFA, the former Manchester City striker said (via GOAL):
Messi has started his 2025 campaign right where he left off in 2024, with 15 goals and six assists in 20 games for Inter Miami. If the Herons are to have any chance of competing for the title, it will certainly be down to the performances of their talismanic forward.
Ex-Argentina striker Sergio Aguero has claimed that his compatriot and Inter Miami skipper Lionel Messi will “do his very best” to win the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The former Manchester City striker is a close friend of the Argentine skipper, having made 90 appearances alongside him for La Albiceleste and Barcelona. Aguero claimed that his compatriot will treat it as a “new challenge” which he “will not want to lose at all.”
In an interview with FIFA, the 37-year-old said (via GOAL):
Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign will kick off against Egyptian side Al Ahly on Saturday, June 14.
A Borussia Dortmund fan, Aaryan had his first tryst with football during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Despite his young mind being influenced by Lionel Messi’s exploits, his favorite World Cup moment is Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning free-kick against Spain from the 2018 version. He strongly believes that Jude Bellingham and Florian Wirtz can replicate the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry due to their respective potentials.
Aaryan, who has been on commentary panels for football and cricket tournaments at his university, is a huge admirer of Achraf Hakimi for the Moroccan’s loan stint in Dortmund between 2018 and 2020. His favorite manager is Jurgen Klopp, who impressed him with his excellent tactical nous and benignant man-management skills.
When he is not scouring the internet for unique statistics, Aaryan follows the Indian Super League, the A-League, and the Saudi Pro League among others. He is an avid quizzer and debater, and a trained classical and western musician who likes to rock out for his college band, Euphony, as lead vocalist and guitarist.
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