Lionel Messi spoke about Inter Miami’s expectations ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
On Saturday night at Hard Rock Stadium, Inter Miami will kick off the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 when they face Egypt’s Al Ahly in the opening match of Group A. Lionel Messi will naturally be the main attraction, and before stepping onto the field, he shared his thoughts on what lies ahead.
“It’s a beautiful tournament, and it’s exciting to be here, to be able to play in it,” Messi told FIFA in an interview. “It’s the first time, it’s a different tournament, a new one, and it’s a great opportunity to see the best right here in the United States. We have to enjoy it.”
When asked about Inter Miami’s chances, Lionel was candid. “I have different expectations compared to when I played with other teams,” he said, making it clear that playing with the Herons won’t be the same as with Barcelona. “But I’m very eager and excited to compete against the best and try to have a strong showing.”
Messi’s words echo those of his head coach, Javier Mascherano, who recently addressed Inter Miami’s outlook. “The Club World Cup will feature a very high level. Clearly, it’s a level we don’t have. Let’s be honest—it’s okay to say that… We have the chance to play in it, and that’s already something. But we’re not favorites by any means.”
Messi excited for the Club World Cup
Though cautious when discussing Inter Miami’s goals, Messi expressed genuine excitement about what the Club World Cup represents. “Huge teams from all over the world are coming, and they draw a lot of attention because they have important players that fans love to watch,” he explained.
“It’s a great opportunity for teams from different regions, like the South Americans, to compete against the biggest European clubs—global powerhouses with the best players,” added the Argentine forward. “It’s a great chance to go up against them and an amazing experience to enjoy, both for us as players and for the fans.”
Messi now in a different role
This will be Messi’s fourth appearance in a Club World Cup. His previous three came under the tournament’s earlier format, where only one club from each continental federation participated. Back then, the Argentine forward was a key figure at Barcelona, a side that entered each edition as the clear favorite.
In fact, Messi’s teams won the title all three times he played. Twice, they claimed victory with ease—beating Santos 4–0 in 2011 and River Plate 3–0 in 2015. The only time they were seriously tested was in 2009, when they drew with Estudiantes of Argentina in regulation and won 2–1 in extra time with a goal from Messi.
From: bolavip.com
