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Lionel Messi to Break 1100 Game Streak as Club World Cup Finally Ignites
Kane & Very Able - Jonah Kusi-Asare (#41) became the youngest-ever Club World Cup scorer. Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

The 2025 Club World Cup is starting to become a must-watch spectacle, with groundbreaking moments that promise to reshape soccer’s legacy. From unexpected heroes to unprecedented milestones, this tournament is now teasing fans with a series of thrilling firsts that are finally captivating global audiences. 

Schoolteacher’s Stunning Goal

Auckland City FC’s Cameron Howieson, a schoolteacher by day, scored a historic equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal, marking the first time a semi-professional club held a Saudi Pro League giant in the tournament (uefa.com). His goal, a precise 20-yard strike, stunned fans and highlighted the competition’s inclusivity. Auckland’s grit proves smaller clubs can compete on the world stage.

All-African Lineup Triumphs

Al Ahly made history as the first Club World Cup team to field an all-African starting XI, leading to a 3-1 upset over River Plate (bbc.com). This bold move, featuring stars like Percy Tau, showcased African talent and tactical unity. Their victory signals the growing influence of African clubs globally.

Youngest-Ever Goalscorer

Bayern Munich’s 17-year-old Jonah Kusi-Asare became the youngest-ever Club World Cup goal scorer with a curling strike against Urawa Red Diamonds (skysports.com). His record-breaking goal, at 17 years and 45 days, marks a new era for youth in elite competitions. Kusi-Asare’s emergence underscores the tournament’s platform for rising stars.

Body-Cams For Refs and New Goalkeeper Rule

Referees are wearing body cameras, a first in major club competitions, broadcasting live footage to enhance transparency and fan engagement, with monitor reviews displayed in stadiums. Alongside this, the 8-second goalkeeper rule, penalizing delays with a corner kick for the opposition, debuted to curb time-wasting. These innovations, paired with semi-automated offside technology, mark a bold step toward modernizing soccer’s officiating and pace.

A First for Lionel Messi

For the first time in 1100+ professional games, Lionel Messi confronts a former club on Sunday. Inter Miami will take on PSG, where he won Ligue 1 twice from 2021-2023. Leading Inter Miami with ex-Barcelona stars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, he faces PSG’s Luis Enrique, his former coach, in a tactical showdown. This clash, set for Mercedes-Benz Stadium, blends personal history with high stakes and a bucket-load of cash.

A New Era for Soccer Inclusivity

These firsts: Messi’s PSG reunion, Howieson’s teacher-turned-hero moment, Al Ahly’s all-African triumph, and Kusi-Asare’s record, all highlight the Club World Cup’s role in uniting diverse soccer cultures. By spotlighting semi-professionals, underrepresented regions, young talents and old GOATs, the tournament fosters inclusivity. It’s a bold step toward a more global, accessible soccer future in a divided world.

Next: Hopping Mad: Club World Cup Players Getting a Bad Bounce 

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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