New Club World Cup rule introduced for first time in Fifa history in major boost to Lionel Messi
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LIONEL MESSI'S bid for shock Club World Cup glory has been boosted by a rule change.
Messi's Inter Miami are joint top of Group A after his majestic winner against Porto.
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Lionel Messi hopes to be in dreamland, perhaps with help from Fifa
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And for the first time in the competition's history, Fifa are adopting Uefa-style rules to sort out who goes through - if teams end up tied.
The leading two sides in each of the eight four-team groups qualify for the last 16.
A problem comes if two clubs are level on points for a qualifying place.
Fifa used to decide it on goal difference.
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But this summer football's international chiefs have switched to head-to-head records.
That's left David Beckham's Miami in a brilliant position to go through - one they surely could only have dreamed of.
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Messi and Co are level with Palmeiras on four points from two matches.
Portuguese giants Porto and Saudi team Al Ahly have just a point apiece.
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It means Miami will go through - unless they lose to Palmeiras on Messi's 38th birthday next Tuesday AND Al Ahly overcome Porto.
Fifa will hope the full range of tiebreakers won't be needed to split teams if they are level on points.
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That's because the eighth and final option is the dreaded drawing of lots.
After points and head-to-head record, goal difference between the teams in question is the third criteria.
Goals scored between the two sides is next - followed by group goal difference and then group goals scored.
Down at number seven is disciplinary points from yellow and red cards.
A booking for a player of staff member is minus one point, two yellows for the same person is minus three, and a straight red card minus four.
Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi will of course aim to produce more magic to kill off the need for such tiebreakers.
Fans raved he was "still the GOAT" and "from another planet" after his curling free-kick sunk Porto 2-1 on Thursday night, watched by 31,783 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
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Messi swerved home a comeback winner against Porto
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