Inter Miami vs Al Ahly: Will Lionel Messi Play Today in the Club World Cup 2025 Opening Match?

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Inter Miami are set to begin their first-ever Club World Cup journey with the opening match of the newly expanded tournament against Egyptian giants Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, USA on Saturday (June 14). Yet, fans are still waiting for a clear update on Lionel Messi’s participation in the game.

Even though the Herons began the season on a strong note, their recent inconsistency has pushed them down to seventh in the MLS standings. They have managed only three victories in their last ten matches, a stretch during which they also suffered a semi-final exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup at the hands of Vancouver Whitecaps.

In contrast to his team’s form, the eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient has remained impressive, recording 10 goals and 5 assists across 13 games for the Herons. His vast experience at the Club World Cup, where he triumphed three times with Barcelona in 2009, 2011, and 2015, offers vital leadership to a squad facing a tough Group A featuring Al Ahly, FC Porto, and Palmeiras.

Inter Miami earned their spot in the competition through their 2024 Supporters’ Shield triumph. With Messi featuring, Inter Miami could make a strong impression against Al Ahly, a historic club boasting 45 Egyptian Premier League titles and 12 African Champions League victories.

Al Ahly vs Inter Miami: Will Lionel Messi Play Today in CWC 2025 Opener?

Rumors have surfaced surrounding Messi’s condition after he exited early from Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Colombia shortly before the Club World Cup opener. The 37-year-old forward, known for carefully managing minor injuries, reportedly left as a precaution, according to Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. The move was said to be Messi’s own choice, hinting it might have been aimed at maintaining his readiness for Inter Miami’s international test.

Despite those doubts, reports confirm that Messi is fully fit and has been training without any apparent physical issues. Therefore, he is widely expected to lead Inter Miami in the clash against Al Ahly.

Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano has further confirmed that Messi, along with teammates Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, is set to spearhead the team’s title quest.

Al Ahly vs Inter Miami: Which Inter Miami Players Will Miss the CWC Opener?

Although Messi is likely to feature, Inter Miami will miss some key players due to injury. Star full-back Jordi Alba has been officially ruled out of the opening match, along with midfielder Yannick Bright, goalkeeper Drake Callender, and defenders Gonzalo Lujan and David Ruiz.

On the bright side, goalkeeper Oscar Ustari is available again, and the seasoned trio of Messi, Suarez, and Busquets will form the core of the lineup. A projected starting XI includes Ustari in goal, a defence of Weigandt, Falcon, Martinez, and Allen, and a midfield with Allende, Cremaschi, Busquets, and Segovia supporting Messi and Suarez upfront.