The Club World Cup kicked off with a bang, drawing enthusiastic crowds and riding high on "Messi mania" as fans flocked to see the superstar. FIFA got the global spectacle it wanted, with lively atmospheres and diverse teams. But beneath the buzz, the tournament also exposed a glaring gap in quality between the top clubs and the rest—something that could dampen the competition’s long-term appeal.

Editor’s Note: While the event’s energy and star power are undeniable, the uneven playing field raises questions about whether FIFA’s marquee club competition can truly deliver thrilling matchups—or if it’s just a showcase for the usual giants. For fans, it’s a mix of excitement and frustration: great vibes, but maybe not so great games.

In a sweltering Miami showdown at the Club World Cup, Boca Juniors seemed to have Group C locked up after racing to a 2-0 lead—until everything unraveled. Benfica clawed back with a late Nicolás Otamendi header amid a chaotic second half that saw red cards for both sides. The match defied expectations for what’s often a corporate-heavy tournament, delivering proper drama instead.

Editor’s Note: Beyond the scoreline, this game mattered because it reminded everyone that the Club World Cup—often dismissed as a glorified exhibition—can still produce raw, unpredictable football. For Boca, it’s a gut punch that complicates their path forward; for Benfica, a gritty escape act. And for fans? Proof that even FIFA’s flashy events can’t sanitize the beautiful game’s messy, emotional core.