Lionel Messi has already written his name into soccer history, smashing records and becoming the most decorated player the sport has ever seen. Now, the Argentine legend faces a new challenge as Inter Miami prepares to take on Al Ahly in the opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Ahead of kickoff, Messi shared his thoughts on the tournament and its significance.
Having won the UEFA Champions League multiple times with FC Barcelona, Messi previously played in three Club World Cups—and won them all. Now, in the debut of the revamped 32-team format, the tournament brings together clubs from across the globe to compete for the title of world’s best.
In an interview with FIFA, Messi described what it means to return to this stage: “It’s a beautiful tournament. It’s exciting to be here, to be able to play it. The feeling is different from when I played it with other teams, but I’m really motivated and eager to compete against the best and try to put in a strong performance.”
The Argentine icon also reflected on the event’s impact in the United States. “I think major clubs from all over the world are coming—teams that draw huge followings and have important players that people love to watch,” Messi said. “It’s a first-time event, a different and new kind of tournament, and I think it’s a great opportunity to see some of the best players right here in the United States. It’s a big opportunity to enjoy it,” he added.
Messi went on to highlight the global nature of the competition and what it means for clubs outside Europe: “It’s also a great chance for South American teams and others from different regions to compete against European clubs—the biggest teams, global powerhouses, with the best players in the world.”
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While Messi was always a favorite to lift the trophy with Barcelona, this edition marks a different moment in his career. Now with Inter Miami, he enters the tournament with less pressure and more appreciation for the moment and what it represents.
Could this be Messi’s final Club World Cup?
Set to turn 38 on June 24, questions inevitably arise about Messi’s future—and whether he’ll compete in another major international event. With his 2026 World Cup participation uncertain, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano offered a candid reflection on the stakes for veterans ahead of the Club World Cup:
“You can’t predict the future, but for some of them, this will probably be their first and last time—because of age, because of biology,” Mascherano said. “That’s something we talked about over the last two weeks with the guys who didn’t go on international duty. How many players in soccer history never got the chance to play in this competition? They’re lucky to be here, but we shouldn’t let that become a source of pressure. We just need to approach it with the seriousness it deserves.”
