Inter Miami's participation in the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has generated considerable buzz, largely due to the presence of Lionel Messi. But can Messi, now at 38 years old, really lead Inter Miami to a surprise victory against the world's top club teams?
Inter Miami secured its spot in the tournament, which will be held in the United States, by winning the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. They broke the all-time MLS record for most points in a single season, finishing with 74 points. This guaranteed them a place as the host country's representative. However, some argue that other teams, like the reigning MLS champions Columbus Crew, were more deserving. Despite the debate surrounding their qualification, Inter Miami is set to kick off their Club World Cup campaign on June 14 against Al Ahly FC from Egypt. They are in Group A alongside Al Ahly, Palmeiras (Brazil), and FC Porto (Portugal).
The revamped FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 features a significant format change. Unlike the previous annual tournament with only seven teams, the 2025 edition will be a quadrennial event with 32 teams, mirroring the FIFA World Cup format. The teams will be divided into eight groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the round of 16. From there, it's a single-elimination bracket all the way to the final. The tournament will take place across 11 cities in the United States, with the final scheduled for July 13 at MetLife Stadium near New York City.
While Messi's presence undoubtedly elevates Inter Miami's profile, the team faces long odds. Opta's supercomputer gives Inter Miami less than a 1% chance of winning the tournament, ranking them 16th out of the 32 teams. This sobering statistic highlights the challenge ahead. Even Messi himself acknowledges that his expectations are different compared to when he played for other teams.
Several factors contribute to the skepticism surrounding Inter Miami's chances. The team's recent form has been inconsistent, and they have struggled against teams with disciplined midfields. Their defense is considered comparatively weak, and their squad depth is lacking compared to European powerhouses.
However, Inter Miami has demonstrated flashes of brilliance. Messi's individual performances have been exceptional, and his connection with Luis Suárez remains a potent attacking threat. In a recent match against CF Montréal, both Messi and Suárez scored twice, showcasing their enduring quality. Messi has 31 goals and 17 assists in 38 appearances for Inter Miami. The team also has key players like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
To advance to the Round of 16, Inter Miami must finish in the top two of their group. A win against Al Ahly and a draw against Porto might be enough, but Palmeiras and Porto are favored to advance. If they do progress, they would likely face a tough opponent from Group B, potentially Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) or Atlético Madrid.
Despite the challenges, Messi's competitive spirit and desire to win should not be underestimated. He is motivated by the opportunity to compete against the best teams in the world and add another trophy to his illustrious career. As Messi said, it's an "amazing opportunity" to win the Club World Cup. While the odds may be stacked against them, Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, could spring a surprise if their star players perform at their peak and the team finds a way to overcome its defensive vulnerabilities.
