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.

Al Ahly comes out of Egypt having qualified after winning the CAF Champions League in 2020-21. This is the club’s 10th trip to the CWC, and fourth year in a row. Al Ahly has finished third in three of the last four tournaments.