Lionel Messi is set to be one of the marquee names in the revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, but questions remain about whether Inter Miami can truly compete against the world’s elite. With the tournament kicking off in just two weeks, head coach Javier Mascherano issued a candid warning to his players—and to Messi—about the challenge that lies ahead.
Inter Miami bounced back from recent struggles with a dominant 5-1 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday. With their next match being their Club World Cup opener, Mascherano was asked about his expectations for the international stage.
“My objective is to win the next match. After that, we’ll focus on the second, and then the third. Trying to send a message here about what we’re going to do doesn’t serve any purpose. It’s a competition with a group stage, and the first game is the most important because it sets the tone for the other two,” he said in his postgame press conference
Mascherano then offered a sobering assessment of the competition Inter Miami are about to face: “But we have to be honest. The level we’re going to face is much higher than what we’ve encountered in CONCACAF and MLS. Whether we’re up to the challenge or not is something we’ll show starting June 14.”
He closed by stressing the responsibility of representing MLS and U.S. soccer on the global stage. “We’re facing a huge challenge, but we’ll give everything in the hope of advancing to the next round and leaving a good impression in the tournament. We’re one of three teams representing this league, so we’ll do our best to represent it well,” he said.
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After missing the CONCACAF Champions Cup final and concerning performances in the 2025 MLS, Messi returned to form with two goals and two assists in the win over Columbus. But with European powerhouses now entering the fray, Inter Miami are set for the toughest test in the club’s history—one that will unfold with Messi as their leader.
Inter Miami’s 2025 FIFA Club World Cup schedule
Inter Miami qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as host, securing their spot by winning the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. They’ve been drawn into Group A alongside Egypt’s Al Ahly, Portugal’s Porto, and Brazil’s Palmeiras.
The Herons will kick off the tournament against Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium on June 14. Their second match will be against Porto on June 19, followed by the group finale against Palmeiras on June 23. Inter Miami will advance to the Round of 16 if they finish first or second in the group. Otherwise, their tournament run will come to an end.
