PSG's odd man out Barcola would be a star at Bayern

RIP Diogo Jota: You'll never walk alone

When Kaka's AC Milan smashed Boca Juniors 

Can chaotic & cursed France really win Euro 2025?

CWC Power Rankings: Draw opens up for Chelsea

Editors' Picks

Real Madrid vs Al Hilal: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Pachuca vs Salzburg: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Monterrey vs Inter: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Seat Unique names founding partner of Hill Dickinson Stadium 

Man City outcast Walker reassured over pace questions & future

Newlyweds Dyer & Bowen do not fear famous Strictly ‘curse’

Man City warned off transfer gamble on free agent Pogba 

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>BVB chief namedrops Kehl</li><li>Spoke about the length of grass in the USA</li><li>Assures the team is adapting well ahead of CWC opener </li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'Lionel Messi decides the length of the grass!' - Borussia Dortmund director Sebastian Kehl remarks on 'different quality' of fields ahead of Club World Cup clash

FIFA Club World Cup

Real Madrid

Borussia Dortmund

Major League Soccer

CF Montreal

Inter Miami CF

<p>In a pointed yet playful jab ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s Club World Cup opener against Fluminense on Tuesday, sporting director Sebastian Kehl raised eyebrows by claiming that Messi "decides the length of the grass" while speaking about the difference in the quality of the fields in the United States.  </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The 2025 Club World Cup is the inaugural edition of the revamped version of the competition, with 32 teams set to participate in it. However, there has already been quite some criticism fired towards the condition of the pitches. After the game between Porto and Palmeiras at the MetLife Stadium on Monday, the head coaches of both clubs criticised the turf following an uneventful 0-0 draw. Not just that, but <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/too-many-surprises-sergio-ramos-and-rayados-de-monterrey-denounce-poor-training-pitch-conditions-demand-solutions-from-fifa-ahead-of-club-world-cup-opener/blt6c392b02674887a6#cs4a43b8e93d37f9ad" target="_blank">Monterrey vice-president Pedro Esquivel also voiced his frustrations</a> for not being provided with the "necessary conditions" for training.  </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Kehl said (h/t <a href="https://www.marca.com/futbol/mundial-de-clubes/2025/06/17/sebastian-kehl-messi-decide-altura-cesped.html" target="_blank">MARCA</a>): "The special thing here is that I think Lionel Messi chooses the height of the grass. I think we're fine where we train; it's very short, but the lads are having a great time. It's getting water, the balls are different, but nothing's holding us back in any way."  </p>

WHAT SEBASTIAN KEHL SAID

<p>After their game against Fluminense, Die Schwarzgelben will take on South African side Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, June 21. Inter Miami and Messi, meanwhile, will next be seen in action against Porto on Thursday.  </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR DORTMUND AND MESSI?

'Lionel Messi decides the length of the grass!' - Borussia Dortmund director Sebastian Kehl remarks on 'different quality' of fields ahead of Club World Cup clash | Goal.com

Borussia Dortmund chief Sebastian Kehl mentioned Lionel Messi while speaking about the &quot;different quality&quot; of fields for the Club World Cup in the USA

&apos;Lionel Messi decides the length of the grass!&apos; - Borussia Dortmund director Sebastian Kehl remarks on &apos;different quality&apos; of fields ahead of Club World Cup clash

Next matches