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Peter Green - May 28, 2025
The world of football is ready for a special moment as Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will start the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025. This is a big step not only for the tournament but also for Major League Soccer and football in North America. On June 15, 2025, Inter Miami will play against Egypt’s Al Ahly SC in the first match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
This match is more than just a kickoff. It shows how far MLS has come, moving from a local league to one with global reach. All eyes will be on Lionel Messi, whose presence makes the tournament even more exciting and brings worldwide attention to Inter Miami.
Inter Miami will take part in the tournament as the host nation’s team. They earned this spot through strong performances in their league and their growing popularity in world football. Now, they will compete with top clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, PSG and Juventus.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Inter Miami will play in the opening match. This shows that North American football is being taken seriously on the world stage. It also gives MLS a great chance to prove it can host and compete in major football events.
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, and since then, he has changed everything for the club. Ticket sales have gone up quickly, with many games selling out in advance. More people around the world are watching MLS matches on TV, and big sponsors have started working with the club because of Messi.
Messi hasn’t just helped the team make money — he has also helped them become stronger on the field. Even at 37 years old, he continues to play at a high level and can change the course of a game at any moment. His role in the Club World Cup adds more to his career and puts Inter Miami in the spotlight of global football.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be the biggest ever, with 32 top teams from every continent. The format is similar to the regular FIFA World Cup. There will be eight groups of four teams. Each team plays three group stage matches. The top two teams from each group move on to the Round of 16, where the knockout rounds begin.
In these knockout rounds, each match is a must-win. The final will be held on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This promises to be a huge event that ends a month of top-level football.
Some of the most exciting group matches include Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly on June 15 which is the opening game, Manchester City vs Juventus, Real Madrid vs Al Hilal, and PSG vs. Atlético Madrid. These games are expected to attract fans, scouts, and football experts from all over the world.
Hosting the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup is a huge opportunity for MLS and football in North America. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming soon which is hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This tournament is like a warm-up to show the region is ready.
MLS teams will gain valuable experience by playing against top clubs from other continents. It’s also a great chance for young American players to show their skills and maybe even get noticed by big clubs in Europe or South America.
From a betting point of view, the first game between Inter Miami and Al Ahly will be very interesting. Inter Miami will have the support of the home crowd and, of course, Lionel Messi. But Al Ahly is a strong team with a lot of experience in international tournaments.
Bettors should think about the fact that Inter Miami doesn’t have much experience in these types of matches. On the other hand, Al Ahly has played in many big games and knows how to handle pressure. Still, Messi can always make a difference.
Popular betting options could include Messi to score anytime or even a low-scoring game, like under 2.5 goals, especially if both teams start the match carefully.
This could be one of Lionel Messi’s last major international tournaments. As he gets closer to the end of his legendary career, every match becomes more meaningful. His involvement in this tournament brings more excitement and gives fans another chance to see him play on the world stage.
Can Messi take Inter Miami far in the tournament? Can he win one more big trophy? Can he still compete against the best teams from Europe and South America? No matter what happens, Messi’s presence will make the tournament even more special.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is more than just a tournament. It’s the beginning of a new chapter for global club football. With Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the spotlight, the opening match will be one of the most-watched events of the year.
As we get closer to June 15, excitement is building not only in Miami but all over the football world. Whether you’re a football fan, a bettor, or someone who loves watching big moments, one thing is clear, the world will be watching when Messi steps onto the field.
