Inter Miami will begin their FIFA Club World Cup campaign on Saturday against African champions Al Ahly with star captain Lionel Messi fit and ready to lead the side. However, the team is grappling with several key injuries, head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed on Friday.
Veteran defender Jordi Alba will miss the opening match due to a leg muscle injury, while midfielder Yannick Bright and defender Gonzalo Luján are also sidelined.
“They won’t be available for this match, but we’re hopeful that one or two of them might be fit for our second game against Porto,” Mascherano said during a pre-match press conference.
Despite the absences, Mascherano expressed confidence in the younger players stepping up:
“We’ve had a lot of injuries over the past 20 days, which has weakened us as a group—but not as a team. We’ve shown all season that we have depth, and that helps us stay calm.”
Inter Miami earned their Club World Cup spot by winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, while Al Ahly enters the tournament as a three-time CAF Champions League winner over the last four seasons.
Mascherano cautioned against underestimating the Egyptian side, which recently appointed Spaniard Jose Riveiro as head coach.
“Al Ahly is one of Africa’s biggest clubs. They’ve made several signings for this tournament and have a very clear, physical style of play, especially strong in midfield and attack,” he noted.
The coach also praised Messi’s condition heading into the tournament:
“Leo has been in great shape this season. He’s played 15 of the last 16 games and was only rested once. Now, it’s our job to create the right environment for him to shine.”
Saturday’s match at Hard Rock Stadium marks Inter Miami’s debut in the Club World Cup, as the team looks to overcome early setbacks and make a mark on the international stage.
Source: Xinhua
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
