The eagerly anticipated summer soccer celebration kicks off in Miami as Lionel Messi aims to win the Club World Cup for the fourth time in his illustrious career. Messi previously secured victories in 2009, 2011, and 2015 while playing for Barcelona, but this year’s tournament poses a unique challenge as he leads Inter Miami in their first appearance at the expanded event. The team will compete in the friendly confines of Hard Rock Stadium against the strong Egyptian club, Al Ahly.
While Al Ahly could not bring in superstar players ahead of the tournament, they have a solid history in the Club World Cup. Both teams face the daunting task of securing a victory with substantial prize money on the line. Notably, other teams in Group A include Porto and Palmeiras, creating a competitive atmosphere in this stage of the tournament.
Messi’s presence has not been without its challenges, as Miami has faced difficulties in knockout tournaments. The team recently won the Leagues Cup, showing promise, but their losses in the U.S. Open Cup Final, Concacaf Champions Cup, and MLS Cup Playoffs highlight a lack of consistent performance when the stakes are highest.
This Club World Cup could serve as a pivotal moment for the team and help elevate MLS on the international stage, beginning with the crucial opening match.
How to Watch Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami, Odds
- Date: Saturday, June 14
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
- Live stream: DAZN
- TV channel: TBS
- Odds: Al Ahly +210; Draw +250; Inter Miami +110
- Prediction: Inter Miami 2, Al Ahly 1
