Barcelona star Lionel Messi has dismissed the notion that the Club World Cup in Japan is an unwanted distraction, at a time when the Spanish giants trail Real Madrid at home.
The reigning Spanish and European champions jet to the annual showpiece in the unfamiliar position of not topping La Liga, but it would be a huge shock if Barcelona didn’t claim their 13th title under coach Pep Guardiola.
In Messi, Barcelona, who were Club World Cup winners in 2009, have arguably the finest player around, and the Argentine wizard insists his celebrated side are giving the tournament of continental champions due respect.
“It’s great to play in a Club World Cup and it’s an important tournament for us. We’ve got some lovely memories of the last one we played in and we can’t wait to experience that again and celebrate in the same style,” he said.
Glory two years ago, when Barcelona came from behind in the final to beat Argentine side Estudiantes 2-1 in extra-time, crowned an amazing year when the Catalan outfit won all six cups that were on offer.
But the side touted one of the best club teams ever are peering up at fierce rivals Real in Spain after stumbling against Getafe for a first defeat of the season last month, while their away form has also been patchy.
Despite Saturday’s 5-0 hammering of Levante, Barca head into this weekend’s El Clasico against Real – their final game before the trip to Japan – knowing defeat could deal a heavy blow to their Spanish title defence.
The biggest threat to Messi and co. in Japan should come from Copa Libertadores winners Santos, of Brazil, whose much-coveted striker Neymar will be one of the star attractions.
The other sides at the annual Club World Cup, which starts today, are Tunisia’s Esperance (African champions), the Qataris Al Sadd (Asia), Monterrey from Mexico (North/Central America) and Auckland City (Oceania).
They are joined by newly anointed J-League champions Kashiwa Reysol, who kick off the action when they take on Auckland’s part-timers.
Barcelona and Santos enter at the semi-final stage, with the Catalans taking on the winners of the clash between Esperance and Al Sadd for a place in the December 18 final at Yokohama, near Tokyo.
Media in Brazil, where the Club World Cup is a huge event, are building the competition up as a showdown between 19-year-old Brazilian international Neymar and Messi.
Santos legend Pele is in no doubt who is superior. “Comparing the two individually, I think Neymar is much better, more complete,” he said.
“Messi is great, but he relies a lot on his team-mates. That is why he does so well for Barcelona but struggles playing for Argentina.
“Neymar plays well for Santos and for Brazil.”
Schedule
Play-off for QFS – Today
1. Auckland City (NZL) vs Kashiwa Reysol (JPN)
Quarter-finals – Sunday
2. Monterrey (MEX) vs Match 1 winners
3. Esperance (TUN) vs Al Sadd (QAT)
Fifth place match – December 14
4. Loser Match 2 vs Loser Match 3
Semi-finals – December 14/15
5. Santos (BRA) vs Match 2 winnersDec. 14
6. Barcelona (ESP) vs Match 3 winnersDec. 15
Third place match – December 18
7. Loser match 5 vs loser Match 6
Final – December 18 in Yokohama
8. Match 5 winners vs Match 6 winners