Inter Miami is entering one of the most high-profile weeks in its young history, but Lionel Messi and company are doing so with more questions than answers.
When is Inter Miami’s first game in the Club World Cup?
After wrapping up their last MLS match on Saturday with a commanding 5–1 win over the Columbus Crew at Chase Stadium, the Herons now shift their focus to the FIFA Club World Cup. The 2025 tournament marks Inter Miami’s debut on the global stage, and they’ll kick things off against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly on Saturday, June 14. But as the countdown to the opener continues, concerns are mounting over the team’s depth and readiness.
Messi and others missing from Miami preparations
With several first-team regulars - including Messi - away on international duty for June’s FIFA window, head coach Javier Mascherano is working with a thinned-out squad as preparations ramp up. Despite swirling rumors that the South Florida club would bring in reinforcements for the tournament, no new signings have been confirmed. And with the opener fast approaching, time is running out.
To make matters more pressing, their first opponent is already stateside. Al Ahly played a friendly against Liga MX side Pachuca on Sunday in Florida, showcasing their core lineup. Veteran winger Mahmoud Trézéguet, one of the club’s recent additions, found the net in the second half. Other key names to watch from the Red Devils include 29-year-old Egyptian playmaker Zizo and 25-year-old Tunisian midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, among others.
When will Messi and other internationals return?
Lionel Messi is expected to be back with Inter Miami on Wednesday, following Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Colombia on Tuesday night. That gives him just two days to shift his focus to the Club World Cup opener.
Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia is in a similar position - he’s set to face Uruguay with La Vinotinto on Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, winger Fafà Picault is representing Haiti in Concacaf qualifying action the same night.
With their marquee stars returning on short rest, and no new reinforcements officially in place, Inter Miami’s Club World Cup debut will be a true test of the team’s adaptability, fitness and ambition.
Raphyjay
10
Miami is not ready for club World Cup Their defense is a humiliation to football They may get the biggest loss ever if they play a team in Europe’s top flight! That’s how terrible they are
Hoyeikmntz
8
Messi 🐐