As FC Porto gear up for this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, Argentinian midfielder Alan Varela said he is looking forward to coming up against his country’s national icon Lionel Messi when the Portuguese giants take on Inter Miami at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on 23 June.

He says it’s a challenge he’s eager to tackle.

FC Porto are one of 32 clubs set to feature at the exciting event and will face SE Palmeiras, Inter Miami CF and Al Ahly FC in Group A.

On playing against Messi, Varela said: “Obviously, it’s very special to face him.

“The truth is that Messi is the best player in the world. I hope he’s not so bright in that game. We will try to do our best so that Porto can win that game and all the games we have to play.”

Asked which of the two Argentinian sides he would prefer to face at the finals if Porto made it through, the 23-year-old said: “Obviously River [Plate].

“Boca and River are the biggest clubs in Argentina. This tournament is very special because it allows you to face big teams. I owe it to Porto and I hope we can go as far as possible.”

Going deep into the tournament, which concludes in a MetLife Stadium decider on 13 July, isn’t a sentiment shared only by Varela. Club captain Diogo Costa is also keen for his side to provide a good account of themselves.

“It’s certainly a competition that is no exception for us, [it’s] one we want to win,” the goalkeeper stated.

“I think [winning] any title is a dream for any captain. But what really matters to us is to represent the club in the best way possible.

“Obviously, I hope that day (of the final match) we can lift that trophy. And for our part, we just have to give our best to make it possible.”

The club’s thirst for silverware is hardly a surprise.

Back home, Porto have won a staggering 30 league and 20 Taça de Portugal titles, while their five European trophies and two FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ triumphs outrank any side in the land. Andre Villas-Boas, who enjoyed a highly successful spell as coach in the 2010s and was made club President last year, is keen to add this trophy to an already bulging cabinet.

“We have a lot of history in the world of football, and it is a pleasure to be here. We hope to do well in the tournament and, in a way, open a new window in our museum for this beautiful trophy,” Costa said.

In a dramatic climax to DP World ILT20 Season 3, the Dubai Capitals overcame last season’s heartbreak to claim their maiden title with a four-wicket win over the Desert Vipers in Sunday’s final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

Dubai Capitals took home the cash prize of $700,000 while the Desert Vipers were awarded $300,000.

Chasing 189, Sikandar Raza provided the decisive late surge with a blistering 12-ball 34, sealing victory in the final over. 

Earlier, Rovman Powell’s 63 and Shai Hope’s composed 43 laid the foundation for the Capitals’ triumphant chase.

For the Vipers, Max Holden’s innings of 76 runs weathered the loss of early wickets before Sam Curran took control of proceedings with an unbeaten half century, studded with five fours and three sixes. 

Azam Khan also stepped up on the occasion with a boundary laden cameo of 27 runs in the death overs.

Player of the Match, Rovman Powell said after the match: “Credit to the guys in the dressing room, the message was to just stay calm. 

“The competition has been silent for me, but today in the final I wanted to prove myself. In the final, big players stand up. I’m disappointed to get out but glad we got through.”

Desert Vipers’ Sam Curran, who secured the Red Belt as the Most Valuable Player said: “It was an amazing game and a small accolade (Red Belt), it is tough to take it when you lose. It is one of the most enjoyable teams I have been in my career. A thoroughly professional setup and hopefully one better next year. 

“I knew lots of coaching staff and players, taking on those roles and being adaptable with the ball. The Capitals have had a few wins over us in the group stage. I thought we had a really good score on the board, but I was extremely proud of the team and the coaching staff. “

Belt Winners

Adding to the excitement of a grand final and a new champion, the DP World ILT20’s signature awards that recognise outstanding individual performances saw Shai Hope walk away with the Green Belt (best batter), finishing the competition with 529 runs. 

MI Emirates’ Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed the White Belt (best bowler) for his 21 wickets in 11 innings.

Sam Curran who finished the tournament with 387 runs in 12 innings and seven wickets, received the Red Belt as the most valuable player of the season, while MI Emirates’ Muhammad Waseem bagged the Blue Belt awarded to the best UAE players for a third consecutive season.

A new name will be etched into DP World ILT20 history as the Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers clash for the Season 3 title at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

After weeks of exhilarating cricket and a prize pool exceeding $1 million on the line, the tournament now reaches its grand conclusion and for fans in Afghanistan, the match will be broadcast live on Ariana Television across the country.

Dubai Capitals enter the match with a formidable record, having secured five consecutive victories against the Desert Vipers in their past meetings.

However, the Vipers have been the team to watch this season, locking in their playoff spot ahead of time with a commanding campaign that saw them win their first four matches on the trot.

Despite a late-season stutter, including a loss to the Capitals in Qualifier 1, the Vipers bounced back with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory against the Sharjah Warriorz on Friday to secure their place in the final.

Speaking ahead of the blockbuster final, Desert Vipers captain, Lockie Ferguson, who will miss out on the final due to an injury, said: “From day one we have all enjoyed being a part of the squad, and the family we have created has translated on the field.

“The Dubai Capitals are an exceptional team, and I think the top two teams in the competition have made it to the final.”

“We had a fantastic game against the Capitals in Qualifier 1 but tomorrow is a final and we both start on zero. Exciting time for players to step up for their teams. Both teams line up differently, we have different skill sets.

“There’s always pressure in a final, it’s a big opportunity and pressure comes with opportunity. It’s been a long build up, but the boys are ready for tomorrow”, he added.

Echoing these sentiments, Dubai Capitals captain, Sam Billings said: “Confidence is high as we have had a good run. Different people have stepped up for us throughout the competition including star performances from Shai Hope and Gulbadin Naib so we are looking forward to tomorrow.

“The atmosphere last year was phenomenal at the final, as the love for cricket is very strong in the region and hopefully tomorrow both teams can put on a great show.”

For the Vipers, Alex Hales has led the charge with the bat, amassing three half-centuries for 400 runs in 12 matches. Hales has been buttressed by Sam Curran who has 325 runs to his name in 12 innings at an average of 46.42.

Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammad Amir and Lockie Ferguson have also been integral to the Vipers’ campaign, but the Vipers will play the final without Hasaranga or Ferguson.

Hasaranga had been amongst the shrewdest bowlers this season, picking up 12 wickets at a staggering economy rate of 5.88. Amir has claimed 12 wickets as well, while Lockie Ferguson has picked up 11 wickets.

Last season’s runners-up, the Dubai Capitals, started the season slowly but have since ignited a fierce charge toward their maiden title.

After breaking out of a three-loss slump, the Capitals have won five out of their last six matches, including three consecutive victories en-route to the final.

Naib has been the star of their campaign, contributing 376 runs and 11 wickets, making him the tournament’s premier all-rounder.

Notably, he has scored three half-centuries in his last three encounters against the Vipers.

Speaking on Naib’s contribution to the team, Billings said: “He has been fantastic. He has been great on the field too as he is a three-dimensional cricketer. He’s taking his opportunities out there and hopefully tomorrow he can put on a show for the fans.”

Shai Hope is a prime contender for the Green Belt (most runs) with 484 runs in 11 innings with an average of 60.50, just nine runs behind MI Emirates’ Tom Banton, who currently leads the race. Meanwhile, Dushmantha Chameera has led the bowling attack with 13 wickets in nine matches.

The DP World ILT20 boasts a total prize pool of over $1 million, with the champions earning $700,000 and the runners-up securing $300,000.
Outstanding individual performances will be recognized through the tournament’s signature belts: the Green Belt for the highest run-scorer, the White Belt for the leading wicket-taker, the Red Belt for the most valuable player, and the Blue Belt for the best UAE player.

Each belt winner will receive a cash prize of $15,000.

Ariana Television will broadcast a pre-match show from 5.30pm Kabul time. The final will get underway from 6.30pm.