Chapter 918: Al-Hilal vs Miami International

June 19, Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Today, a key match will be held here: the FIFA Club World Cup group stage clash between Miami International and Al-Hilal.

Neither team is considered a favorite to win the title, but the presence of Tang Ye and Messi has directly propelled this match to the top of the popularity.

Match Preview: FIFA Club World Cup Group H, Round One — Miami International vs Al-Hilal: Tang Ye vs Messi Head-to-Head.

“Messi!”

“Messi!”

Outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, local fans hold up banners and shout loudly for their idol.

As supporters of Messi, American and Argentine fans harbor deep resentment toward Al-Hilal, because three years ago at the Qatar World Cup, Tang Ye’s Chinese national team stunned Argentina, damaging the morale of Argentina’s players (a factor widely seen as an indirect cause of Argentina’s loss to France in the final).

For Messi and Argentine fans, facing Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup is undoubtedly a chance for revenge.

But!

Given the gap in team strength, Miami fans need to stack multiple buffs on Messi before kickoff.

“Tang Ye’s teammates are stronger, so even if we lose, we won’t blame Messi. But if we win, it proves Tang Ye is weak.”

Miami fans say: “Our overall strength may be inferior to Al-Hilal, but we still have a chance. Messi and Suárez are here — they can contain Tang Ye effectively.”

“You know Tang Ye is that kind of player — once he’s tightly marked, he’s useless.”

…

【iQIYI Sports】

“Good evening, viewers! You’re watching live the Group H opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Miami International vs Al-Hilal!”

“Yes, we can see both teams preparing in the tunnel. Oh, Tang Ye and Messi are exchanging words — they’ve been longtime rivals from their La Liga days!”

As shown on screen, Tang Ye and Messi are conversing at the tunnel entrance; both are captains of their respective teams.

“Good luck.”

Tang Ye presses his hand against Messi’s back; the latter looks momentarily stunned, but still smiles and replies: “Yeah, good luck.”

【Here we go, guys!】

【Damn, 9 yuan per match? iQIYI, you’re insane — this expensive? And why is monthly and yearly subscription so pricey too... If not for supporting King Tang, I’d watch pirated streams.】

【Whoever designed this Club World Cup reform is a genius — they’ve put three of them together in one group. Group stage: Tang Ye vs Messi. Guys, I feel like I’m watching the Qatar World Cup again.】

【Never thought King Tang would one day join the rat-catching squad.】

【Why didn’t the organizers just arrange Miami and Al-Hilal in the same group to embarrass Messi? Don’t the Americans protect their boss?】

【Protect him? Al-Hilal and Miami are evenly matched. Al-Hilal is just Asia’s top team — their win rate is built on money; their real strength is average. If Miami plays well, they still have a shot.】

“Messi!”

“Messi!”

In American matches, Messi instantly becomes the center of attention.

“Beeeeep—!!!”

The match begins!

Miami International (4-2-2)

Goalkeeper: Ustari

Defenders: Wegent, Ian Frey, Falcon, Noah Allen

Midfielders: Alend, Cremafski, Busquets, Segovia

Forwards: Messi, Suárez

Head Coach: Mascherano

“And now the away team, Al-Hilal — champions of the AFC Champions League for the past three seasons!”

Al-Hilal (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Bounou

Defenders: Cancelo, Lodi, Koundé, Theo Hernández

Midfielders: Milinković, Tang Ye (c), Malcolm

Forwards: César, Mitrović, Michael

Head Coach: Inzaghi

Just minutes after Mitrović kicks off, the broadcast cuts to Al-Hilal’s substitute bench.

Probably looking for Pogba — but he’s not there.

That French midfielder likely still needs more time before returning to professional play!

“Alend, pass to Messi.”

“Messi holds the ball — he’s waiting for his teammates to make runs!”

Messi walks slowly near the center.

Though slow, his rhythm is sharp!

Pah!

A through ball finds Cremafski making a forward run!

Cremafski passes to Busquets!

“Wow!!!”

“Come on, come on!”

“Messi!”

The teammates move quickly — Suárez has already reached the flank, ready to receive.

Receives Busquets’ pass!

“Beautiful!”

Busquets starts moving toward goal, but Cancelo and Malcolm clearly won’t let him pass easily.

Cancelo!

The Al-Hilal fullback steps forward to intercept Suárez’s cross — but he’s fooled by Suárez’s feint.

!!!

Pah!

Suárez cuts the ball inside, leaving Cancelo behind.

“Cancelo! Cancelo made a mistake!”

“This is Miami’s chance!”

“Cross from Suárez!”

“Wegent!”

Thud!

The Miami defender heads it clear.

“Phew!”

“Though neither team is a title favorite, both are in excellent form today!”

“Yes, but pay attention to Cancelo.”

“Cancelo seems a bit complacent today!”

On screen, Tang Ye shouts something to Cancelo.

Probably accustomed to dominance in the Saudi League, Cancelo appears overly arrogant in the Club World Cup.

“Stay calm!”

Tang Ye makes a downward hand gesture.

The other two teams in Group H — Real Madrid and Benfica — are no pushovers; for Al-Hilal, this match against Miami International is a must-win.

Otherwise, Al-Hilal risks a humiliating scenario: three straight losses in the group stage.

“Eon! Be aggressive — push forward with our attack!”

Inzaghi is also encouraging his players.

Live update: Mitrović receives a through ball from Tang Ye and shoots — saved by Miami’s goalkeeper.

“...”

24th minute.

“Theo Hernández advances from the left; Koundé delivers a long pass!”

Fullback overlapping — this is Al-Hilal’s favored attacking pattern.

Hernández has exceptional speed!

Low cross to the byline!

Mitrović prepares to receive — but hears a voice behind him.

“Move!”

Mitrović quickly sidesteps; the ball rolls naturally between his legs.

Tang Ye glances sideways and drags the ball to the right flank.

“Wow!”

Thud!

“Gooo—aaaa—llll!!!”

“Goal!”

"Michael's goal!"

"1-0!"

"Al-Hilal is ahead!"

Al-Hilal’s front-line combination was excellent; when Michael received the ball, several Miami International defenders had not yet adjusted their positions.

Their reaction was too slow!

"Wow!!!"

Michael and Malcolm reached the corner flag and roared at the camera.

This was Michael’s first-ever Club World Cup match—and thus his first-ever Club World Cup goal!

"..."

The match reached the 30-minute mark, and the commentator had now formed a fairly clear judgment of the game.

Although Miami International showed dominance at the start, the gap between the two teams remained clear overall.