The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off with an exciting showdown between Inter Miami, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, and Al Ahly in the tournament’s highly anticipated opening match. This will mark the first-ever participation of the U.S. club in the competition, generating a buzz among soccer fans around the globe.
Inter Miami have seen remarkable growth since their inception, attracting world-class talent and positioning itself as a competitive force in North American soccer. On the other hand, Al Ahly, the most successful club in Africa, enter the tournament with a wealth of international experience, looking to make a strong impact on the global stage.
With Lionel Messi leading the charge, fans are eager to see what lineup Inter Miami will field—specifically whether their star player will be available for this crucial match.
Will Messi play against Al Ahly today?
Lionel Messi will be in the starting lineup for Inter Miami in today’s opening match. His presence on the pitch will be vital to the team’s ambitions as they make their debut in the prestigious tournament.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF participates in the Training/Press Conference ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between Inter Miami CF and Al Ahly at Florida Blue Training Center on June 13, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Chris Arjoon/Getty Images)
Messi’s transformational impact on Inter Miami
Since joining in July 2023, Messi has revolutionized Inter Miami, helping the team claim their first title with the Leagues Cup 2023 victory. Messi’s influence has continued in the current season, with 15 goals and 6 assists.
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Al Ahly: A team with rich international experience
Al Ahly is a giant in African soccer, boasting 12 CAF Champions League titles and a string of appearances in the FIFA Club World Cup. In the 2023 edition, they secured a third-place finish, showcasing their ability to compete against the world’s elite soccer teams.
What to expect from this opening match
With global soccer fans watching closely, this match promises to be one of the most exciting opening fixtures in recent years. Miami’s debut in the competition and the potential for Messi to play are bound to make this a thrilling encounter. Both teams will aim to set the tone for their respective campaigns and advance through the tournament with a strong start.
The match between Inter Miami and Al Ahly is set to take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. This early fixture will be a crucial test for both teams as they look to start their FIFA Club World Cup journey on the right foot.
