From icons Messi and Haaland to rising star Estevao, Al Jazeera picks the 10 best footballers at the competition.
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The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicks off in the United States when Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami take on Egypt’s Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, on Saturday.
High-profile players and breakout stars from the best leagues in the world will compete in the monthlong club tournament.
Here’s a look at our top 10 players who are set to light up the competition:
⚽ Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
A record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Messi is expected to steal the limelight at the Club World Cup.
The 37-year-old forward and captain of Inter Miami will be looking to guide the MLS side to the Club World Cup title in front of their home fans during their debut at the tournament.
Making 25 appearances in his full debut season for Inter Miami, Messi scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists, leading them to the MLS Supporters’ Shield triumph in 2024. In the ongoing MLS season, he has made 20 appearances and scored 15 goals.
The forward, who will turn 38 during the tournament, has put Inter Miami in the spotlight since his arrival at the club in 2023.
