Its not everyone who is critical of the Club World Cup, which will be launched in the USA on Sunday morning CET.
While players, coaches and league associations from Europe have criticized the new format with 32 teams, the new tournament is praised elsewhere in the world.
South African outfit Mamelodi Sundowns, are enormously proud and grateful to be involved, says the club's Danish sporting director, Flemming Berg.
"It is said that there are too many matches, and people ask why a new tournament is needed, but then at the same time you expand the Champions League with extra matches. So it sounds hollow to me", says Berg to DR Sporten.
He calls the European view of the tournament "a bit imperialistic", and that includes grudges over the African Cup of Nations, which is often mid-season for European clubs.
"But who says that Africa must adapt to Europe's calendar? Why does everyone have to adapt to Europe's calendar?"
The total prize pot is $1bn, with the champions earning up to $125m. About half of the $1bn will be divided between the 32 clubs, with the amount per club based on sporting and commercial criteria. In addition, FIFA aims to be able to pay out a large portion to projects that promote football around the world.
Flemming Berg applauds the last part.
"It is a matter of saying that all the world champions have come from Europe and South America. Well, how can that be? So how can we ensure that the whole world develops and that players from all over the world get the opportunity?" he says.
The 2025 version of the tournament, being held across the United States, features an expansion to 32 teams for the first time. Inter Miami and Messi are set to kick off the competition against Egypt's Al Ahly on Sunday morning.