Key events
Reader Justin gets in touch:
I’d imagine that the players of Inter Miami (and LAFC and the Sounders) will be doing everything in their power to AVOID winning this tournament now, which would surely lead to a summons to the White House by His MAGAsty. Messi would surely rather miss the deciding penalty against Brazil in next year’s World Cup Final than go through what those poor Juventus boys did yesterday.
I know it’s hyperbole, but I doubt this! Weird experiences with the US president are temporary, titles are forever. (I think).
Elsewhere in Group A…
Palmeiras is now leading Al Ahly 2-0 with the clock rapidly approaching 90 minutes (the teams are still playing thanks to a lightning delay that paused proceedings in the second half).
The result puts the Brazilian side provisionally on top of Group A, and should really increase the urgency for both Miami and Porto to get a result this afternoon. A win would establish a clear hierarchy in the group, putting the victor in great position to qualify for the knockout round.
How did Messi and Inter Miami do last time out?
Very badly for the first half, and slightly better in the second. Barney Ronay wrote on the opening match of the Club World Cup, a 0-0 draw between Miami and Al Ahly.
Porto’s starters
Fifa lists Porto as coming out in a 5-3-2, presumably with João Mário and Francisco Moura as the wingbacks.
Goalkeeper: Claudio Ramos
Defenders: João Mário, Ivan Marcano, Martim Fernandes, Ze Pedro, Francisco Moura
Midfielders: Fabio Vieira, Gabri Vega, Alan Varela
Forwards: Samu Aghehowa, Rodrigo Mora
Inter Miami’s starters
It’s a mostly first-choice XI for Inter Miami:
Goalkeeper: Óscar Ustari
Defense: Ian Fray, Noah Allen, Maximilliano Falcón, Marcelo Weigandt
Midfield: Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia, Benjamin Cremaschi
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Tadeo Allende
The key absence here is Jordi Alba, the left-back who has a legendary connection with Messi but who has struggled defensively in MLS play this season. Another interesting call is Cremaschi, the US international, starting over Federico Redondo.
Hello and welcome
Alexander will be here shortly.
In the meantime, read up on the latest at the Club World Cup, including yesterday’s bizarre Juventus/Donald Trump press availability in which two US national team players were made to look very uncomfortable:
