Lionel Messi earned a spot in the second round's best XI after leading Inter Miami to a 2-1 comeback victory against Porto in Group A. His stunning free-kick goal secured the win and the accolade. This recognition follows his absence from the first round's best XI.
This victory marked a historic first for an American club in the Club World Cup, as well as the first time a North American club defeated a European opponent in an official match. Coach Javier Mascherano revealed that Messi played the entire match despite battling pain.
No player has been named in both of FIFA's announced best XIs. Forwards Kane and Jhon Arias joined Messi in the second round's selection. Arias' free-kick goal opened the scoring for Fluminense in their 4-2 win over Ulsan Hyundai in Group F, while Kane's goal helped Bayern Munich secure a 2-1 victory against Boca Juniors in Group C.
No team contributed more than one player to this week's best XI. Real Madrid's goalkeeper, Courtois, made the list thanks to his 10 saves against Pachuca (Mexico) in Group H. Despite Man City's 6-0 thrashing of Al Ain, their representative was center-back Manuel Akanji. Angel di Maria, the 37-year-old midfielder, also earned a spot after scoring two penalties for Benfica against semi-professional side Auckland City.
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The best XI of the second round of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Photo: DAZN |
The best XI of the second round of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Photo: DAZN
After two rounds, four teams have advanced: Flamengo, Bayern Munich, Man City, and Juventus. Flamengo has secured the top spot in Group D, while the other three teams are still vying for first place in their respective groups.
Seven teams have been eliminated: Auckland City, Los Angeles FC, Urawa Red Diamonds, Ulsan Hyundai, Wydad, Al Ain, and Pachuca. Their remaining matches are effectively dead rubbers. Three of the eliminated teams are from Asia, leaving Al Hilal as the sole remaining Asian representative in Group H. They will advance if they beat Pachuca, and the match between Real Madrid and Salzburg does not end in a draw.
Along with Al Hilal, 20 other teams await their fate in the final round. Matches within the same group will be played simultaneously. The final round begins with Seattle Sounders vs. PSG and Atletico Madrid vs. Botafogo at 2h Tuesday, 24/6, Hanoi time, in Group B. At 8h the same day, Inter Miami faces Palmeiras, and Porto plays Al Ahly in Group A.
The final round will continue until the morning of 27/6, with the knockout stage running from 28/6 to 14/7.
Compiled by Hoang An
