The expanded Club World Cup has kicked off with healthy crowds, "Messi mania" and a festival atmosphere in Miami, giving an early vindication to world football body FIFA after fears of empty stands and global disinterest.

In the world of sports, certain names will always loom large. For modern soccer fans, it's impossible to overlook Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar might not be the biggest man around, but his resume towers over the competition.

Lionel Messi was denied a sensational late winner as Inter Miami had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Egypt’s Al Ahly in the opening game of the Club World Cup on Saturday night