Geremi Njitap, a former Real Madrid midfielder, has expressed skepticism about Lionel Messi‘s chances at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with Inter Miami. The tournament, set to take place in the United States, will see Inter Miami open their campaign against Egypt’s Al Ahly on June 14 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Inter Miami secured their place in the Club World Cup by winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2024. Despite Lionel Messi’s remarkable contributions in Major League Soccer, many observers note that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is nearing the latter stages of his career, with his 38th birthday approaching. This raises questions about the team’s ability to compete against younger, peak-condition squads from other continents.
Former Player Highlights Messi’s Age and Competition Challenges
In an interview with Boyle Sports, Geremi pointed out that Messi is no longer a young player and faces a significant challenge competing against clubs with athletes at their physical prime. He emphasized that Messi’s current team lacks the supporting cast of top-tier players that he had during his earlier career.
“Lionel Messi is no longer young and while playing for Inter Miami, he isn’t surrounded by great players like he has been in the past. He is going to come up against great clubs who have great players in the peak of their careers, he might well perform at a high level but does he have a chance of winning it? I don’t think so. He is Messi and he will still show his quality, but to the level we have seen him in the past? I don’t think we will.”
—Geremi Njitap, Former Real Madrid Player
Inter Miami will face stiff competition in Group A, which also features Brazilian champions Palmeiras and the Portuguese club Porto, alongside Al Ahly. These teams bring talented squads at various peaks of their career, creating a challenging environment for Messi and his teammates.
Inter Miami Co-owner Discusses Club’s Ambitions with Messi
Jorge Mas, who co-owns Inter Miami along with David Beckham, recently addressed the team’s aspirations to win more trophies with Lionel Messi. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has become the club‘s most prolific scorer, contributing 21 goal involvements in just 20 appearances this season. His contract with the club runs through the end of 2025, coinciding with the Club World Cup timeline.
Mas shared his thoughts on the club’s strategy and Messi’s role in driving their ambitions during an ESPN interview. He acknowledged the club’s desire to achieve greater success and revealed plans to strengthen the squad further.
“We are a little selfish,” Mas said. “We would like to see more trophies and obviously with Messi here. I won’t speak for Messi, but I speak for me and the club. Lionel from day one has said he wants to compete and win. He is a competitive animal. Obviously, we want to assure that we have the best roster to compete at the highest levels. We’d have to ask Leo, but I think he knows we are doing everything possible.”
—Jorge Mas, Inter Miami Co-owner
“There is no tool that the league provides us that we have not used to better this roster: signing young players, finding other cracks. For next year, find another star player because we have the space in the roster. From our part, there is not much missing. There is no rush, we don’t need to do it today or tomorrow, but soon we will know Messi’s decision and hopefully we remain together for many more years.”
—Jorge Mas, Inter Miami Co-owner
What the Future Holds for Messi and Inter Miami
Inter Miami’s presence in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup represents a significant milestone for the club and the MLS, reflecting the growing competitiveness of soccer in the United States. However, the doubts raised by Geremi about Lionel Messi’s ability to secure the title amid tough global competition highlight the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, the club’s management remains committed to building a competitive team around their star player.
Looking forward, Messi’s decision on his future with Inter Miami and the club’s recruitment efforts will play critical roles in determining their success both in the MLS and on the international stage. Whether Messi can defy the doubts and elevate Inter Miami to a Club World Cup victory will be a storyline closely watched by fans worldwide.