Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are set to face Al Ahly in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup tomorrow, marking Messi’s debut in this tournament with his new team following his move in the summer of 2023. This event presents a significant challenge as Messi aims to uphold his unbeaten record from group stages in major international club competitions.
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has contributed decisively to the team’s success, leading them to victory in the 2023 League Cup and guiding them toward securing the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. Although the MLS Cup remains an unclaimed goal, it continues to be the club’s primary ambition for the current season.
Messi’s Flawless Group Stage Track Record Under Pressure
Throughout his illustrious career, Lionel Messi has never experienced elimination during the group stages of any significant tournament, including the UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and Copa America. This extraordinary consistency is now at stake as Inter Miami faces tough competition in the FIFA Club World Cup group phase.
Inter Miami finds itself in Group A alongside powerhouse clubs Palmeiras, FC Porto, and Al Ahly, each having earned their place through prestigious victories. Palmeiras enters after winning the 2021 Copa Libertadores, FC Porto qualified as one of the highest-ranked teams in UEFA’s four-year ranking, and Al Ahly secured their spot by winning the 2020-21 CAF Champions League.
Despite the formidable opposition and the odds stacked against them, Inter Miami remains optimistic about advancing beyond the group stage. This optimism reflects the club’s ambition to prove itself against top-tier international teams.
Inter Miami’s Ownership Sets Ambitious Goals Beyond the Club World Cup
Co-owner Jorge Mas expressed high hopes for Inter Miami’s progression following the Club World Cup. In a recent interview with ESPN, Mas highlighted his confidence that Messi will stay with the club through the next year, aiming for further competition at the highest levels in the region.
Mas envisions the Club World Cup as a starting point for Inter Miami to challenge elite clubs worldwide and aspires for the team to compete in the Copa Libertadores soon, a prestigious tournament in South America where Messi has yet to participate.
“I want to be the best team in the hemisphere, including teams in South and Central America, including teams not only in our confederation of Concacaf, but also others. It’s been no secret either that I one day aspire, hopefully, that Inter Miami plays in a Copa Libertadores because it’s a tournament that, firstly, Messi has not played in.”
— Jorge Mas, Co-owner of Inter Miami
Unprecedented Demand and Ticketing Challenges at the Club World Cup
The Club World Cup has encountered unexpected difficulties with ticket sales, with only two participating teams managing to sell out their early matches. This challenge has affected the atmosphere surrounding the tournament, particularly the opener featuring Inter Miami and Messi.
FIFA Collaborates with Miami Students to Fill Stadium for Messi’s Opening Match
In response to the ticket sales concerns, FIFA has struck an arrangement with local Miami students to attend the opening game, ensuring a vibrant crowd for Messi’s debut with Inter Miami in the Club World Cup. This move aims to support the event’s visibility and celebrate Messi’s ongoing impact in the city following his arrival.
The upcoming games will not only test Messi’s legendary group stage consistency but also offer Inter Miami a platform to establish itself on a global football stage, underlining the club’s high ambitions fueled by its recent successes and strong ownership vision. As the tournament progresses, the outcome could influence the club’s future direction and heighten expectations for their pursuit of regional and international honors.