No matter how much of a 'soccer deity' Lionel Messi (37, Inter Miami) is, the Club World Cup will not be easy.
Messi's team, Inter Miami, will participate as hosts in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which kicks off in the United States on the 15th. Inter Miami is not an MLS champion, but it has been granted participant status as the winner of the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield. The Seattle Sounders and LA FC will also participate from MLS.
The soccer deity Messi has lifted numerous trophies while passing through Barcelona and PSG. He also led Argentina to victory in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, completing his collection. There is nothing left for Messi to achieve in soccer.
However, the outlook is different for the Club World Cup. Even for Messi, it will be difficult to lead the relatively weaker Inter Miami against the world’s top teams.
Competing in Group A of the Club World Cup, Inter Miami will face Al Ahly (Egypt), Porto (Portugal), and Palmeiras (Brazil). Realistically, it is challenging for Inter Miami to advance past the group stage with their current strength. Inter Miami received the lowest seed as the fourth team.
Messi has a history of winning the Club World Cup while belonging to Barcelona in 2009, 2011, and 2015. However, since he is past his prime and the team’s strength has diminished, the situation is different now.
Messi said, 'I am happy to have the opportunity to participate in an interesting tournament. I have the chance to compete against the world's best clubs. I hope for good results.'
Javier Mascherano, the head coach of Inter Miami, noted, 'We have many injuries and couldn't reinforce the squad. This is the most important tournament in the club's history, and we will do our best in the remaining matches. However, we couldn't make significant player reinforcements. We will show our potential,' but he remained confident.
EPSN evaluated Inter Miami, stating, 'No matter how much Messi is, the difference in strength between the teams cannot be ignored. It would not be surprising for Messi to suffer an unfamiliar defeat.'
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