- River Plate features four recent CONMEBOL Copa América™ champions.
- Inter Miami includes two tournament legends.
This Saturday, June 14, the FIFA Club World Cup kicks off in the United States, featuring many CONMEBOL clubs and stars who shone in the most recent edition of the CONMEBOL Copa América™.
Here they are:
1-Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
The Argentine is a two-time Copa América champion (2021, 2024), the tournament’s all-time appearance leader, and among its top five scorers. At 37, he leads Inter Miami in Group A alongside Palmeiras (Brazil), Porto (Portugal), and Al Ahly (Egypt).
2-Luis Suárez (Inter Miami)
The Uruguayan was top scorer and champion in 2011 and played his final Copa América in 2024 before retiring from international football. His legendary partnership with Messi brings high hopes to the Florida-based club.
3-Richard Ríos (Palmeiras)
The Colombian was the breakout star of the latest Copa América. His flair and creativity will be key for Palmeiras in Group A.
4-Willian Pacho (PSG)
The Ecuadorian defender made history by becoming the first from his country to win the UEFA Champions League, partnering with Marquinhos — another Copa América 2024™ standout. PSG will face Atlético de Madrid (Spain), Botafogo (Brazil), and Seattle Sounders FC (USA) in Group B.
5-Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid)
The Argentine forward stood out in the last Copa América and is a leader for Atlético, which also features fellow 2024 champions Rodrigo De Paul and Nahuel Molina.
6-Ángel Di María (Benfica)
Scored the winning goal in the 2021 final, ending a 28-year title drought for Argentina. He retired from the national team after the 2024 final and will also be saying goodbye to Benfica before returning to his boyhood club, Rosario Central. Benfica also includes Otamendi, another historic double champion. They're in Group C with Bayern Munich (Germany), Auckland City FC (New Zealand), and Boca Jrs (Argentina).
7-Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
Top scorer of the 2024 Copa América™, Lautaro returns to the U.S. hoping for a strong tournament with Inter, which is grouped with River Plate (Argentina), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), and Monterrey (Mexico) in Group E.
8-Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Key to Uruguay’s third-place finish, he’ll play a vital role for Real Madrid under new coach Xabi Alonso. Group H includes Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Pachuca (Mexico), and Salzburg (Austria).
9-Vinícius Jr (Real Madrid)
A major star for Madrid, he scored twice in a memorable match against Paraguay during the Copa América 2024™.
10-Salomón Rondón (Pachuca)
The Venezuelan scored one of the tournament’s best goals — nearly from midfield — and broke several records. He’ll lead Pachuca’s attack in their opener against Salzburg.
Other notable players at the tournament:
Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras), Rodrygo, Endrick (Real Madrid), Savinho (Manchester City), Jefferson Savarino (Botafogo), Luis Advíncula (Boca Jrs).
River Plate features four 2024 Copa América™ champions: Franco Armani, Germán Pezzella, Marcos Acuña, and Gonzalo Montiel.
When and where is the Club World Cup?
It will be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, featuring 32 teams.
