Lionel Messi returned to Barcelona’s starting line-up for Sunday’s Club World Cup final against River Plate in Yokohama after recovering from a bout of renal colic, the Spanish club said.
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River, on the other hand, have achieved dominance in South America with a team of journeymen, moulded into a winning outfit by inspirational coach Marcelo Gallardo who himself could end up in Europe if his success continues.
It didn’t take long for Barcelona to double their lead in the second half, as Suarez latched onto a pass from Sergio Busquets, before calmly slotting past Barovero.
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FC Barcelona’s players gather during a training session, ahead of…
Barca are looking to win the Club World Cup for a record third time. We are going into the game with a lot of desire.
“It would have to be a ideal game for us to have any chance”, he said.
“They have the best players and we have a big heart”, said Gallardo, who has been in charge for 18 months.
“It would have to be a flawless game for us to have any chance”, said Gallardo, who himself played for Argentina at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups.
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River, known as “los millonarios” because they are based in the wealthier northern suburbs of Buenos Aires and count politicians, business leaders and celebrities among their fans, won the old Intercontinental Cup in 1986. It would obviously be a big boost to get either back.
