Messi magic headlines Inter Miami's Club World Cup adventure

As the penultimate club confirmed for the Club World Cup, Inter Miami present a fascinating contradiction: one of the tournament's most modest sides, yet boasting the presence of a global footballing icon

 And while Messi brings with him quality and competitive fire in abundance, it will be a tall order for the fledgling North American side to harbour serious ambitions — particularly given the strength of Group A.

The Florida-based franchise earned their spot by winning the Supporters' Shield, awarded to the most consistent team across the MLS regular season, even though Los Angeles Galaxy ultimately lifted the MLS Cup in the playoffs.

This season, however, their form has been far less convincing. Two recent emphatic wins have lifted morale somewhat, but merely progressing from the group stage would already be a remarkable achievement.

Squad list

Players to watch

Naturally, Messi's presence eclipses everything else at the club. There is little left to say about the Argentina star, but he arrives at the tournament in excellent form — scoring five goals and providing three assists in just three matches over the past week.

For a player who has won everything in the game, the motivation of adding another trophy to his extraordinary collection remains undimmed.

While Luis Suarez and fellow ex-Barcelona stars Busquets and Alba continue to draw attention, there is growing interest in those operating slightly further from the spotlight.

Federico Redondo, son of former Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Redondo, has shown flashes of promise; Tadeo Allende is emerging as a steady presence in midfield; and Telasco Segovia has injected a welcome freshness in attack, contributing some eye-catching goals of late.

Coach

Javier Mascherano will take charge of his 25th match at the helm when Inter Miami make their tournament debut. Having previously coached Argentina's youth sides, this marks his first major test as a senior manager.

So far, inconsistency has defined his tenure. A humbling 5-1 aggregate defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals was a significant blow. In the MLS, where Inter are defending their Supporters' Shield title, they currently sit five points off the top with a game in hand.

With 13 wins, five draws and six defeats so far this season, the former Argentina international has struggled to establish a clear identity for his side, who often rely on individual brilliance going forward and the calm leadership of Busquets and Alba.

Before their two most recent wins, parts of the fanbase were even calling for his dismissal.

Group stage fixtures

Matchday 1

Inter Miami will begin their Club World Cup campaign against Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, 15 June. The match also serves as the tournament's curtain-raiser.

The two sides have never previously met, and with such limited international experience, it will be Miami's first-ever competitive fixture against an African club.

Matchday 2

Four days later, on Thursday, 19 June, the American side face what appears to be their toughest test — a clash with Porto at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This too will be a first meeting between the two clubs.

Matchday 3

Inter Miami will conclude their group stage campaign at home against Palmeiras on Tuesday, 24 June, returning to the Hard Rock Stadium. The match will mark a curious reunion between Abel Ferreira, now coach of the Brazilian side, and Lionel Messi — who last crossed paths as players 17 years ago in a Champions League fixture between Barcelona and Sporting (3-0).

Possible starting XI