FIFAs newly expanded Club World Cup launches this summer in the United States, amid doubts over ticket sales and concerns about player fatigue.
But on the pitch, there's no shortage of drama or intrigue as elite clubs from across the globe battle for supremacy-and a slice of the 1 billion prize fund. Here are five key talking points ahead of the tournament.
1. Messis Last Dance Against Europe?
Lionel Messi returns to the international club spotlight with Inter Miami, facing European opposition once again after two seasons in Major League Soccer. At 37, the Argentine icon still exudes class, but questions remain about whether he and former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets can hold their own against younger, sharper rivals.
Inter Miami's second group game is a mouthwatering clash against Porto in Atlanta-a team Messi famously beat with Barcelona in the 2011 UEFA Super Cup. He also made his senior debut against them in 2003 as a 16-year-old in a friendly. If he scores, Messi would become the oldest-ever goalscorer at the Club World Cup-and he and Suarez are just two goals shy of Cristiano Ronaldo's record in the competition.