Inter Miami Faces Al Ahly in Club World Cup Opener

MIAMI, Florida — Inter Miami, starring soccer icons Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, prepares to take on Al Ahly in the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday. With a young team formed only in 2020, Inter Miami is eager to prove its worth in the tournament.

After edging through a challenging season, Busquets acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “Clearly, we are not at the level to compete in the Club World Cup. But we will try to compete in the group, take it game by game, and hopefully advance.” Their first match takes place at the Hard Rock Stadium against the Egyptian team, which boasts a rich history as 12-time African champions.

Before the tournament, Inter Miami faced challenges, including early playoff exits from MLS competitions and a disappointing semifinal performance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. However, the squad hopes to surprise with their veteran talents, including Messi, Busquets, and others.

Meanwhile, Messi expressed excitement about participating in a prestigious tournament, looking forward to facing top global teams. He said, “It’s a beautiful tournament, and it’s exciting to be here and play.” Coach Javier Mascherano emphasized his commitment to creating an environment where Messi can thrive.

Suárez believes that the squad can surprise everyone. “In these types of tournaments, there’s often a surprise team. We have the capability and the players who can make a difference. We hope to be that surprise team,” he said.

For the team, winning against Al Ahly is crucial, as they are seen as the most manageable rival in the group that also includes Palmeiras and FC Porto. With a chance to make history in their debut Club World Cup, all eyes will be on the Miami-based team this weekend.