Some of the biggest stars in soccer will be playing in the FIFA Club World Cup. But there’s no one bigger than Lionel Messi, and this will be the brightest stage he’s played on at the club level since moving to Inter Miami.
Messi won four UEFA Champions League titles in making FC Barcelona a global juggernaut, but he left for a new challenge in MLS in 2023 after 17 years in Camp Nou. He immediately made an impact on the top soccer league in the United States, winning league MVP and leading the team to the Supporters’ Shield in 2024.
Inter Miami will open the newly expanded Club World Cup against Egyptian power Al-Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium. Messi has a mixed history there: While his Argentina team beat Colombia in the Copa America final 11 months ago, he left in the second half with a right ankle injury.
Here’s what we know about Messi’s status for the Club World Cup, including Inter Miami’s schedule and how to watch their matches on TV and streaming:
Is Messi playing in the Club World Cup?
Lionel Messi is expected to play during the FIFA Club World Cup. The superstar was away from Inter Miami after its last MLS game May 31 to play World Cup qualifying matches for Argentina. But he was spotted back at the facility in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 12, two days before the Club World Cup opener at Hard Rock Stadium.
Has Messi won Club World Cup?
Lionel Messi has won three FIFA Club World Cup titles before, all with FC Barcelona. His team won the final in 2009 over Estudiantes de La Plata of Argentina, in 2011 over Brazil’s Santos FC and 2015 over CA River Plate.
Messi has played in five Club World Cups total. He won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player in 2009 and 2011, and he’s the only player to have two such trophies to his name in the event’s history.
FIFA Club World Cup schedule for Inter Miami
All times Eastern:
Where to watch Inter Miami vs Al Ahly
The first match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup pits Inter Miami vs. Al-Ahly of Egypt at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. It it scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 14, and will be broadcast on TBS with streaming available on DAZN.
Watch the Club World Cup live on DAZN
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Is Messi playing in the Club World Cup? Here’s what we know, plus Inter Miami schedule
Reporting by Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
