The expanded Club World Cup has kicked off with healthy crowds, "Messi mania" and a festival atmosphere in Miami, giving an early vindication to world football body FIFA after fears of empty stands and global disinterest.

In the world of sports, certain names will always loom large. For modern soccer fans, it's impossible to overlook Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar might not be the biggest man around, but his resume towers over the competition.

To say Lionel Messi is by far the best player in this Inter Miami team is unfair. He is more akin to a pink human vortex through which all things bright and beautiful must pass. There is a shared understanding among his team-mates that if Messi is open to receive a pass then pass to Messi they shall,