Lionel Messi is set to embark on another chapter in his illustrious career, this time in the newly expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The revamped tournament features 32 clubs from around the world in a bid to determine the globe’s best. With Inter Miami facing Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly in the opening match on Saturday, June 14, fans are eager to know: Will the Argentine legend be on the pitch?
Inter Miami and Al Ahly are part of Group A, which also includes Brazilian side Palmeiras and Portuguese giants Porto. While Al Ahly may be viewed as the underdog, both teams are expected to treat this opener as a must-win, setting the tone for the remainder of the group stage.
Scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET, this historic match marks the beginning of what could become one of the most prestigious club tournaments in the world. Messi’s presence isn’t just critical for Inter Miami—it’s also what many fans around the globe are tuning in for.
Is Lionel Messi playing?
According to reports, Lionel Messi is expected to start for Inter Miami in their Club World Cup debut against Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium. His inclusion in the lineup is a major boost for the Herons as they look to start the tournament on the right foot.
Messi enters with less rest than his teammates
While MLS rivals like LAFC and Seattle Sounders have had extended time off ahead of the tournament, Inter Miami’s last league game was on May 31, giving the squad a two-week preparation window. However, Messi’s situation is a bit different from most of his teammates.
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Lionel Messi sets the record straight ahead of Inter Miami’s 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opener vs. Al Ahly
The forward was called up for Argentina’s international friendlies in June against Chile and Colombia. In the first match against Chile, Messi came off the bench in the 57th minute, while in the second game against Colombia, he started and played 78 minutes, providing his usual creative spark.
Aside from Telasco Segovia and Fafa Picault, Messi is among the few Inter Miami players who logged competitive minutes during the international break. With 111 minutes played over two matches, the question remains whether those outings sharpened his form—or added some fatigue heading into this high-stakes opener.
