"Having the chance to be part of it is exciting" - Inter Miami skipper Lionel Messi details his expectations from upcoming Club World Cup
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has spoken about his excitement ahead of participating in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The Florida-based club secured qualification for the expanded tournament last season after their Supporters' Shield triumph in the MLS.
Talking to journalist Favian Renkel ahead of the tournament opener between the Herons and Egyptian outfits Al Ahly, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said:
"FIFA Club World Cup? Well, it’s an interesting competition. Having the chance to be part of it is exciting. The expectations I have are different to the ones I had when I played for other teams. I’m eager and I look forward to competing against the best (teams) and doing well.”
Messi last participated in the Club World Cup in 2016 with Barcelona, but will join the competition in its new expanded format with his current employers.
Lionel Messi has been phenomenal for Inter Miami since he joined the side in the summer of 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. He has become the side's record goal scorer with 49 goals and 24 assists in 59 games. Messi has also helped the Herons secure the first two trophies in the club's history - the Leagues Cup 2023 and Supporters' Shield 2024.
Lionel Messi's record at the Club World Cup so far
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi participated in three previous Club World Cups in his illustrious career, winning all three. The Argentine legend last appeared in the competition nearly a decade ago, with Barcelona in 2016, where he claimed the trophy following previous triumphs in 2010 and 2012.
Messi has scored five goals in five games in the competition, ranking fifth in the Club World Cup's all-time goal scoring charts. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be keen to add to his tally and potentially surpass Cristiano Ronaldo, who sits atop the leaderboard with seven goals.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will begin their journey in the competition on Saturday, June 14, against Al Ahly of Egypt in the tournament opener. The other teams in their group are FC Porto from Portugal and Palmerias from Brazil. The top two teams from the group will progress to the knockout stage of the competition.
