Lionel Messi showdown with Pep Guardiola would be 'amazing' as ex-Man City goalkeeper hopes Inter Miami progress at FIFA Club World Cup to set-up reunion clash

There is a chance of that happening, with some of the finest teams in world football preparing for a global gathering in the United States. City will be there courtesy of their Champions League triumph in 2023 - which formed part of a historic treble.

MLS outfit Inter Miami, who rewrote the record books when savouring Supporters’ Shield glory last season, have accepted a special invitation to an expanded tournament taking place on American soil.

Watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZN

Stream now

Guardiola could cross paths with former Barcelona charge Messi in the knockout stages, if both clubs can progress that far, with ex-City goalkeeper Given - speaking in association with DAZN - telling GOAL when asked about a fun reunion: “It would be amazing. Messi, for me, one of the best players to ever grace the planet.

“From a City point of view, with the profile of the club, it just feels like if they can get their hands on it… It’s a big ask with so many big clubs - Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final were phenomenal, the likes of them and Real Madrid will have the same ambition to get their hands on this trophy. As an ex-City player I would love to see them win it, but it’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be tough.”

Given the prize money on offer, and the opportunity to make history by becoming the first winners of the 32-team Club World Cup, Given added when asked if City and demanding coach Guardiola will be taking the event seriously: “Very much so. I think as well with the prize money at stake and the season that they’ve had, with no trophies, they would maybe class this as part of the season and winning a trophy.

“It’s a big tournament. Some of the biggest clubs in the world will be there. I think Guardiola will see this as an opportunity to make a bit of history as a club - the first one, get that gold badge on their chest for the next four years. They will be world champions, and that’s a big statement.

“Anything that Pep Guardiola is involved with, he wants to win. He’ll be hurting on the back of not winning anything. They would have thought the FA Cup final would soften that blow a little bit, but Crystal Palace had other ideas. They look like they are strengthening in the window, a couple of players may be coming in before the Club World Cup, so I’m sure that he wants to get his hands on this trophy.”

City have been placed in Group G alongside Wydad AC, Al Ain and Serie A giants Juventus. They will get their quest for another major trophy up and running when facing Moroccan opposition at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 18.

Shay Given was speaking ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Watch all 63 games live on DAZN for free.