ESPN FC Messi Magic Lifts Miami
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Jun 19, 2025 Alex Kirkland, an ESPN FC reporter covering Real Madrid, joins the crew to discuss the recent Club World Cup games. Inter Miami's thrilling 2-1 victory over Porto, driven by Messi's brilliance, steals the spotlight, while the challenges of adapting to a new coaching style plague Real Madrid after a draw with Al Hilal. Kirkland dives into transfer dynamics, notably Nico Williams' shift to Barcelona amid financial hurdles. The conversation also touches on the evolving fan culture and expectations for both teams moving forward.
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MLS Closing Gap With Europe
- Inter Miami showed a competitive edge against Porto, indicating MLS is closing the quality gap with top European clubs.
- Messi's influence is huge, but the team's offensive chaos and defensive discipline were key in their victory.
Heat Hurts Attendance
- Low attendance at Inter Miami games is largely due to Miami's intense heat and humidity, making stadium visits uncomfortable.
- Fans have even fainted waiting in line, showing weather's significant impact on fan turnout despite Messi's presence.
Club World Cup's Reputation Problem
- The Club World Cup lacks clear significance, causing fans to question its importance and lowering its popularity and respect.
- This uncertainty and scheduling issues provide excuses for fans to avoid attending matches, reducing the tournament's impact.