All eyes on Lionel Messi as Inter Miami begin Club World Cup campaign vs Al Ahly
Lionel Messi is expected to grab the headlines when the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off. The 37-year-old star and his Inter Miami side may not be tipped to go far in the 32-team tournament, but fans everywhere will be eager to watch the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in action.
Inter Miami start their campaign against Egyptian giants Al Ahly and will be hoping for a strong start. With Messi on the pitch, anything is possible.
Messi has just returned from international duty with Argentina, having played in two World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia. But there is no doubt he will start for Inter Miami. He is expected to lead the attack alongside Luis Suárez in a 4-4-2 formation, giving him freedom to focus on creating and scoring goals.
The Argentine has already made 15 goal contributions in 12 MLS games this season and remains the standout player for the American club.
When do Inter Miami play their first match?
Inter Miami will face Al Ahly in the opening match of the Club World Cup on Saturday, 14 June at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET (1 a.m. BST on Sunday).
As hosts, Inter Miami are in Group A. After Al Ahly, they will meet Porto in Atlanta on Thursday, 19 June, and finish the group stage against Palmeiras on Monday, 23 June.
They must finish in the top two of their group to reach the knockout stage. A third- or fourth-place finish would see them go out of the tournament.
