It was the eighth final of the FIFA Club World Cup, a FIFA-organized tournament between the winners of the six continental confederations as well as the host nation's league champions.

[6] Messi won the "duel" by scoring two goals in the final and being named man of the match as well as player of the tournament.

[7][8] Barcelona forward David Villa missed the final after he broke his shinbone in the semi-final victory over Al-Sadd.

[9] He was injured six minutes before half-time after appearing to land awkwardly; Barcelona announced after the match that he had suffered a "fracture to the tibia in his left leg" that could see him sidelined for four to five months.

[11] Messi and Thiago forced saves from Santos goalkeeper Rafael Cabral in the 12th minute.