Inter Miami Ready to Test Themselves on Global Stage at Club World Cup
Mascherano, Messi & Co. eye statement debut despite tough opener and injury concerns
Almost five years after their first MLS match and just under two years into the Lionel Messi era, Inter Miami CF are stepping into uncharted territory: the FIFA Club World Cup. For a team that’s quickly risen from expansion side to global sensation, the stakes have never been higher.
The Herons will make their tournament debut this Saturday against African powerhouse Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami (8 p.m. ET | DAZN.com), kicking off a group stage that also includes FC Porto and Palmeiras.
“A Huge Challenge” for a Young Club
Head coach Javier Mascherano, who took over the reins ahead of the 2024 season, understands the magnitude of the moment.
“To be able to participate in this competition with the best clubs in the world… is a huge challenge for us,” he told FIFA. “Especially for a club like Inter Miami, which has been around for so little.”
Despite their youth, Inter Miami’s rise has been meteoric. Since Messi’s arrival in July 2023, the club has surged in international visibility, adding legends Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez to the squad. Together, the Core Four led Miami to a Leagues Cup win last year and an MLS record-setting 74-point season in 2024, capturing the Supporters’ Shield.
Al Ahly: More Than a Warm-Up Act
Inter Miami may be the new darlings of world football, but their opening opponent is steeped in pedigree. Egyptian side Al Ahly boast 45 domestic league titles and a record 12 CAF Champions League crowns, making this their 10th Club World Cup appearance.
“They’re used to these tournaments,” Busquets said. “It’s going to be a very tough game.”
Mascherano agreed, referencing Al Ahly’s recent Intercontinental Cup performance, where they narrowly fell to Liga MX’s Pachuca on penalties after a gritty semifinal.
Injury Concerns Linger
Inter Miami won’t be at full strength for the opener. Mascherano confirmed that Jordi Alba, Yannick Bright, and Gonzalo Luján are all out, while several others are in limited training.
“We’re hoping that for the second game, maybe not all three, but two of them or at least one will be [back],” Mascherano said.
Despite the depleted roster, Luis Suárez believes Miami can surprise the field.
“In these types of tournaments, there’s always a surprise team,” Suárez noted. “The capability is there because we have players who are difference makers. So let’s hope that the surprise team is us.”
A Moment to Cement Their Legacy
Inter Miami’s international ambitions have long been clear, and the Club World Cup provides the perfect proving ground. For Messi, Busquets, and Alba—each with three CWC titles already—this is familiar territory. For Miami as a club, it’s a chance to show the world that they’re more than just a headline—they’re contenders.