Palmeiras captain Gustavo Gomez is getting pumped for the FIFA Club World Cup and hopes it feels like a big Brazilian celebration. The 32-year-old Paraguayan defender has been with the Brazilian club since 2018 and is excited to head to the USA with his team to show what they’ve got.
“This is something we’ve been waiting for a long time,” Gomez said. “It’s the first time we’re playing this new World Cup format, and it includes lots of big teams from all over the world. It’s special. Football is about uniting people and having fun. I hope it feels like a party.”
Palmeiras will play against FC Porto, Al Ahly, and Inter Miami in Group A. Their biggest game will be against Inter Miami, where they’ll face Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players ever. Gomez can’t wait.
“Everyone is going to enjoy that match,” he said. “Messi is a legend, and it’ll be amazing for all the fans. There are lots of Brazilians living in the U.S., and now they’ll get to watch us play up close. That’s something really special.”
Gomez also thinks the games in the U.S. will have the same electric energy as matches back in Brazil. With so many Brazilian fans living abroad and willing to travel, he believes the stadiums will feel just like home.
“I think the atmosphere will be just like what we’re used to in South America,” he explained. “Fans bring the energy, and that motivates us. Palmeiras always fights to win titles, and even though we’ll play against some of the strongest clubs in the world, we’ll do our best to go far and make our fans proud.”
With high hopes and a strong team spirit, Gomez wants the Club World Cup to be more than just competition — he wants it to be a celebration of football.
