Sat Jun 14 00:34:51 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Messi’s Inter Miami Faces Al Ahly in FIFA Club World Cup Opener**

**Miami, Florida** – The newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup is set to kick off this Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with a blockbuster match between Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, and Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. The game, scheduled for an 8 pm kickoff (00:00 GMT Sunday), marks the beginning of the month-long, 32-team tournament.

Inter Miami earned their spot in the competition by racking up the most points in the Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season. With a record-breaking 74 points. Messi, a two-time Club World Cup champion with Barcelona, will be crucial to Miami’s hopes, according to coach Javier Mascherano.

Al Ahly, the most decorated club in African football, qualified as the CAF Champions League winners from two seasons ago. The match will also mark the debut of their new coach, Jose Riveiro, previously of Orlando Pirates.

Despite a strong squad, Inter Miami faces some injury concerns. Fullback Jordi Alba, defender Gonzalo Lujan, and defensive midfielder Yannick Bright are all ruled out.

Al Ahly, who have been in the US preparing for two weeks, boasts a fully fit squad, including former Aston Villa forward Mahmoud Trezeguet.

The stakes are high, with a total prize pool of $1 billion, and the champions are set to win a hefty $125 million.

This highly anticipated clash marks the first-ever meeting between these two clubs and promises to be a thrilling start to the revamped FIFA Club World Cup.

Read More