'Lionel Messi decides the length of the grass!' - Borussia Dortmund director Sebastian Kehl remarks on 'different quality' of fields ahead of Club World Cup clash

In a pointed yet playful jab ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s Club World Cup opener against Fluminense on Tuesday, sporting director Sebastian Kehl raised eyebrows by claiming that Messi "decides the length of the grass" while speaking about the difference in the quality of the fields in the United States.

The 2025 Club World Cup is the inaugural edition of the revamped version of the competition, with 32 teams set to participate in it. However, there has already been quite some criticism fired towards the condition of the pitches. After the game between Porto and Palmeiras at the MetLife Stadium on Monday, the head coaches of both clubs criticised the turf following an uneventful 0-0 draw. Not just that, but Monterrey vice-president Pedro Esquivel also voiced his frustrations for not being provided with the "necessary conditions" for training.

Kehl said (h/t MARCA): "The special thing here is that I think Lionel Messi chooses the height of the grass. I think we're fine where we train; it's very short, but the lads are having a great time. It's getting water, the balls are different, but nothing's holding us back in any way."

After their game against Fluminense, Die Schwarzgelben will take on South African side Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, June 21. Inter Miami and Messi, meanwhile, will next be seen in action against Porto on Thursday.