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**Messi’s Inter Miami to Face Al Ahly in FIFA Club World Cup Opener**
**MIAMI, FLORIDA** – The highly anticipated, expanded FIFA Club World Cup kicks off this Saturday with a blockbuster clash between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. The match, set to take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, marks the beginning of the month-long, 32-team tournament. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM EST (Midnight GMT Sunday).
Inter Miami, who earned their spot by topping the MLS regular season points table, will look to Messi’s brilliance as they face the most decorated club in world football. For Al Ahly, this match marks the debut of their new coach, Jose Riveiro, formerly of Orlando Pirates. The Egyptian giants, boasting an astounding 155 trophies, will be eager to make a statement on the global stage.
While Inter Miami enters the match with some defensive concerns, missing key players like Jordi Alba, Gonzalo Lujan and Yannick Bright due to injury, manager Javier Mascherano expressed confidence in the depth of his squad. Al Ahly, on the other hand, arrive with a fully fit squad led by former Aston Villa forward Mahmoud Trezeguet.
The match also presents an intriguing matchup between Messi and Riveiro as the two former Barcelona teammates compete against each other on opposing teams. Both Messi and Barcelona have won the trophy two times in 2009 and 2011.
This historic first meeting between representatives from Concacaf and CAF is just one of many exciting matchups in the revamped Club World Cup. The total prize pot for the tournament is a staggering $1 billion, with the champions set to pocket up to $125 million. Al Jazeera Sport will have coverage of the buildup beginning at 6:00 PM EST.
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