Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami play in Saturday’s opener but people still look blank when asked about Fifa’s $1bn event
Fire up the marching band. Rouse the majorettes from their state of indifference. Put out more flags. Put out some flags. Put out a flag. Er … is anyone actually there? IShowSpeed? Can you hear me Pitbull? Welcome to the almost-World Cup, an almost-real almost-event that will perhaps, with a favourable wind, now begin to feel like almost-football.
This week Gianni Infantino described Fifa’s regeared tournament as football’s Big Bang, referencing the moment of ignition from which all the matter in the universe was dispersed out of a previously cold and indifferent void. And to be fair, Infantino was half-right. So far we have the void.
Written by Barney Ronay in Miami
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jun/13/borrowed-culture-plasticine-burger-club-world-cup-almost-football under the title “Borrowed culture and a plasticine burger – welcome to the Club World Cup and almost-football | Barney Ronay”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
