Can Lionel Messi lead Inter Miami to FIFA Club World Cup 2025 glory?

Time of India

04-06-2025

As the football world turns its gaze to the inaugural
FIFA
Club World Cup 2025, the spotlight inevitably falls on
Lionel Messi
. The Argentine legend will lead
MLS
club
Inter Miami
into the global tournament with hopes of etching his name into yet another chapter of football history. Despite questions surrounding Inter Miami's qualification, there is no denying the buzz generated by Messi's presence.
Messi, who will be turning 38 on June 24, may not possess the blistering pace of his prime, but his vision, technique, and leadership remain unmatched. Surrounded by a growingly competitive MLS squad, he brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality that could inspire Inter Miami on the big stage.
The victory will not only be a big achievement for Inter Miami, but will also provide a big boost to the United States, who will be co-hosting the
FIFA World Cup 2026
along with Mexico and Canada.
Is Messi ready for the Club World Cup?
Following an exceptional performance in the 2025 MLS season, Messi has netted five goals in his previous three fixtures. His remarkable contribution has elevated Inter Miami's position from sixth to third in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.
Messi has become the top performer in MLS, accumulating 16 goal contributions this season, with 10 goals and 6 assists. His outstanding form includes 5 goals and 4 assists during Inter Miami's ongoing three-match unbeaten run. Messi, who has become first back-to-back Player of the Matchday winner this season, is all set for the high-stakes tournament.
Live Events
Inter Miami, led by Messi, will commence their Club World Cup campaign in the tournament's opening match on June 14, facing Egyptian side Al Alhy at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Inter Miami will then take on against Portugal's
FC Porto
at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 19, followed by their final group stage encounter with Brazilian club
SE Palmeiras
back in Miami on June 23.
Will Messi play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the US?
The primary concern among football enthusiasts worldwide, beyond the Club World Cup discussions, centres on Messi's potential appearance in Argentina's colours at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The uncertainty remains as Messi has not made any definitive statement about his participation in the tournament, despite his current involvement in the FIFA qualifiers.
The football icon landed in Argentina on Monday to join his World Cup-winning national team for the 2026 tournament qualifiers. The schedule includes an away fixture against Chile on June 5, followed by a home match against Colombia on June 10 in Buenos Aires.
Messi's last appearance for the national side was in November 2024. He failed to find the net during Argentina's 2-1 defeat to Paraguay on November 14, while in the next match on November 19, he provided the crucial assist for
Lautaro Martinez
in their 1-0 victory against Peru.
Economic Times WhatsApp channel
)