June 19, Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
A high-profile match was set to kick off here today: the Club World Cup group-stage clash between Inter Miami and Al Hilal.
Neither team could be considered a title favorite, but with Tang Ye and Lionel Messi involved, the match's popularity had shot straight to the top.
Match preview: Club World Cup group stage, Round 1. Inter Miami vs. Al Hilal. Tang Ye and Messi face off head-on.
"Messi!"
"Messi!"
Outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, local fans held high their support banners and shouted for their idol.
As members of Messi's camp, American and Argentine fans bore tremendous resentment toward Al Hilal. This was because, at the 2022 FIFA World Cup three years ago, Tang Ye's China national team had pulled off an upset against Argentina, dealing a blow to the Argentine players' mentality. This was considered an indirect reason Argentina lost to France in the final.
For Messi and Argentine fans, facing Al Hilal in the Club World Cup was undoubtedly a fine chance for revenge.
But!
Considering the gap in strength between the two sides, Inter Miami fans needed to stack a few BUFFs on Messi before the match began.
"TY has stronger teammates, so even if we lose, we won't blame Messi. But if we win, that proves TY isn't all that."
Miami fans said, "Our overall strength may not be as good as Al Hilal's, but we still have a chance. Messi and Suárez are both here, and they can keep TY under control."
"You know, TY is that kind of player. Once he's tightly marked, he's useless."
``` [iQIYI Sports]
"Good evening, viewers! We are bringing you a live broadcast of the first round of Group H in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage, Inter Miami versus Al Hilal!"
"Yes,