Inter Miami are getting ready for a huge moment in their soccer history. This weekend, they will play their first match in the new and expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Their first opponent? A strong Egyptian team called Al Ahly, and the game is happening this Saturday.
Head coach Javier Mascherano and experienced defender Jordi Alba are very excited and full of hope. They’re not just dreaming about winning matches—they’re dreaming big, hoping to make their fans proud and maybe even go all the way in this exciting tournament.
A Special Tournament on Home Ground
This year’s Club World Cup is special for a lot of reasons. First, it has more teams than ever before. And second, it’s being hosted in the United States, giving American fans a chance to see some of the best soccer clubs in the world battle it out.
Inter Miami is one of the host teams. That means they get to represent not just their club and city, but also the United States. Even better, they’ll play in front of their home crowd, especially their passionate fans in Miami, Florida.
Mascherano, who used to play for famous clubs like Barcelona and Liverpool, became Inter Miami’s head coach in November 2024. He knows how important this tournament is. In a recent interview, he said:
“We’re in a unique place because, even though we’re in the United States, Miami has a huge Latino community. You can feel that Latin American soccer energy all around.”
A City Full of Passion
Mascherano also said that Inter Miami is lucky to be based in such a cool and lively city. Miami is full of tourists and soccer fans, and that means lots of people come to their games. He added:
“We hope the fans will support us and come to all three matches, including the one we have to play away in Atlanta.”
Inter Miami’s fans are known for their love and loud cheers. The team hopes that kind of support will help them do well in the tournament. Having that “home-field advantage” can be a big help.
Facing Tough Competition
The Club World Cup is a major tournament. It brings together the best soccer clubs from every continent, such as:
Europe (UEFA Champions League winners)
South America (Copa Libertadores champions)
Africa (CAF Champions League winners)
North America (CONCACAF Champions League winners)
And more!
This means Inter Miami will be playing against some of the toughest teams on the planet.
Mascherano knows it won’t be easy. But he says the team is ready to give their best.
“We know it’s a top-level competition, and we’ll face top-class teams. But our goal is to compete the best we can, take things one game at a time, and try to make it to the round of 16,” he explained.
That’s a good strategy for any team—focus on one game at a time and build momentum step by step.
The Messi Effect
One of the biggest reasons Inter Miami is in the spotlight is because of Lionel Messi, the famous Argentine superstar and one of the best players in soccer history. He joined Inter Miami in 2023 and changed everything for the club.
Mascherano, who played with Messi on Argentina’s national team, had nothing but praise for his friend and former teammate.
“He’s the number one. People like Messi change the game wherever they go. He has had a huge impact on this country, and we want to make the most of that.”
Messi has helped bring more fans, attention, and excitement to soccer in the U.S. In fact, when Messi plays, Inter Miami’s stadium sells out almost every time. According to stats from 2024, Inter Miami’s home games had the highest attendance in Major League Soccer!
Old Friends Reunite: Alba and Messi Together Again
Another key player for Inter Miami is Jordi Alba, a talented Spanish defender. Alba played with Messi for nine years at FC Barcelona from 2012 to 2021. Together, they won many titles, including the UEFA Champions League in 2015.
Now, they’re back on the same team. And Alba is loving it.
“As soon as we saw each other again at Inter Miami, we connected instantly,” Alba said. “It’s really easy to play with the best player in history.”
He added that Messi not only makes every team better but also helps his teammates improve. That’s what great players do—they lift everyone around them.
Believing in the Dream
Alba agrees with Mascherano that this tournament is going to be tough. But he still believes Inter Miami has a chance to do something special.
“All the group games will be hard. We’re facing great teams, but we have the home advantage,” he said. “We hope the fans will support us and enjoy the matches. We’re dreaming big.”
That’s the spirit! Even if the odds are against you, belief and hard work can take a team far.
Quick Soccer Facts:
Inter Miami was founded in 2018 and started playing in Major League Soccer in 2020.
Lionel Messi has scored more than 800 career goals, making him one of the top scorers in soccer history.
The Club World Cup includes teams that have won major tournaments in their regions.
Inter Miami’s first opponent, Al Ahly, is the most successful club in Africa, with over 40 national league titles and 11 CAF Champions League trophies.
Mascherano played in two FIFA World Cup finals for Argentina (2006 and 2014).
What’s Next?
Inter Miami’s journey in the Club World Cup starts with their big match against Al Ahly on Saturday. If they win, they’ll take one step closer to the next round. And if they keep winning? Who knows—maybe they’ll be lifting the trophy by the end.
Mascherano and Alba are leading a team that’s full of hope, passion, and talent. With Messi on the field, a packed stadium of cheering fans, and a city full of soccer energy, Inter Miami is ready to give it their all.
So whether you’re watching at home or cheering from the stands, get ready for some unforgettable soccer action. Inter Miami is dreaming big—and maybe, just maybe, they can make those dreams come true.