Al Ahly vs Inter Miami – FIFA Club World Cup Pick & Prediction
The much-anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, where Lionel Messi and his star-studded Inter Miami side face off against African giants Al Ahly in the tournament’s curtain-raiser on Saturday evening (local time). With global attention fixed firmly on this inaugural group-stage clash, the spotlight will be mainly on the Herons as they aim to deliver a statement win in front of their home crowd.
Inter Miami Preview: Messi-Led Herons Eye Flying Start on Home Soil
Backed by a global fanbase and filled with marquee names, Inter Miami are arguably the most high-profile American club of the moment. Since their foundation just seven years ago, the Herons have rapidly grown into a footballing powerhouse, and their 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield triumph – sealed with a league-record 74 points – was a testament to their ambition.
Now guided by Javier Mascherano, the South Florida outfit enters this Club World Cup on the back of mixed form, winning just four of their last 12 matches across all competitions. However, their most recent performances suggest the tide may be turning. Convincing victories over CF Montreal (4-2) and Columbus Crew (5-1) in the MLS showcased their attacking prowess, particularly from the timeless duo of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, who have notched a combined 23 goals this calendar year.
Injuries remain a concern ahead of Saturday’s clash, with Jordi Alba, Gonzalo Lujan, Yannick Bright, David Ruiz, and goalkeeper Drake Callender all battling fitness issues. Still, the return of Oscar Ustari and Tomas Aviles provides a timely boost to a backline that has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 10 outings (since a 1-0 win at Columbus in April).
Mascherano is likely to persist with a balanced 4-4-2 setup, with Messi and Suarez spearheading the attack, supported by a midfield anchored by the experience of Sergio Busquets and the youthful energy of USMNT’s Benjamin Cremaschi. Though Inter Miami boast star power in abundance, their defensive frailties leave them vulnerable – especially against well-organized and resilient opponents like Al Ahly.
Al Ahly Preview: African Powerhouse Ready to Upset the Hosts
Al Ahly arrive in Florida as one of the most decorated clubs in world football. With a record 12 CAF Champions League titles and 45 Egyptian Premier League crowns to their name, the Cairo-based side has been a dominant force on the African continent. Now preparing for their 10th appearance at the Club World Cup, they’re determined to turn regional dominance into a memorable global run.
Despite their pedigree, Al Ahly’s preparations have been turbulent. Following their semi-final exit in the CAF Champions League – falling short to Mamelodi Sundowns on away goals – Marcel Koller was dismissed as manager in late-April. His successor, Jose Riveiro, takes charge for the first time in a competitive setting this weekend, having overseen a friendly shootout loss to Pachuca last week following a 1-1 draw in Miami.
Still, the Red Devils possess a wealth of experience and quality across the pitch. Forward Wessam Abou Ali enters the tournament in red-hot form after netting eight times in his last six domestic playoff games, while the addition of former Aston Villa winger Trezeguet has added flair and international experience in attack. Emam Ashour, who overcame a slight thigh injury last week, is also expected to play a pivotal role in midfield alongside Ahmed Koka and Marwan Attia.
Al Ahly have consistently shown they can hold their own against top-tier clubs, securing third place in three of the last four Club World Cup editions. Backed by a mix of experienced veterans and promising young players, the Egyptian giants will look to disrupt their high-profile opponents and potentially cause an early upset in the tournament opener.
Possible Starting XIs of Al Ahly and Inter Miami
Al Ahly: Mohamed El Shenawy – Mohamed Hany, Achraf Dari, Rami Rabia, Karim El Debes – Emam Ashour, Ahmed Koka, Marwan Attia – Achraf Bencharki, Trézéguet – Wessam Abou Ali. (4-3-2-1)
Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari – Marcelo Weigandt, Maximiliano Falcón, David Martínez, Noah Allen – Tadeo Allende, Benjamin Cremaschi, Sergio Busquets, Julian Segovia – Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez. (4-4-2)
2025 FIFA Club World Cup Opener Preview, Prediction & Betting Odds
With home advantage, a galaxy of global stars, and a growing winning momentum, Inter Miami enter this clash as narrow favorites. However, this is by no means a straightforward assignment for the MLS side. Al Ahly bring with them a deep-rooted winning culture and enough tactical discipline to make life difficult for Leo Messi and company.
Defensive fragility remains Inter Miami’s Achilles’ heel, and Al Ahly will be fully aware of the opportunity to exploit those weaknesses on the counter. While the Americans may have the upper hand in firepower, the Egyptians arguably hold the edge in resilience and cohesion.
Bettors can expect a closely-fought contest with chances at both ends. Inter Miami’s superior attacking quality, especially through Messi and Suarez, could ultimately tilt the balance in their favor, but Al Ahly are unlikely to go down without a fight. A narrow win for the hosts seems the likeliest outcome, though a draw is far from out of the question.
At the Sportsbooks, Inter Miami are currently priced at +110 to claim victory at EveryGame, with Al Ahly listed at +230 to pull off a major upset. A draw, which would be a solid result for the African champions, sits at +275.
Elsewhere, all eyes are on Messi’s potential impact on the tournament. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is being offered at +400 with EveryGame to finish among the top three goalscorers at this year’s Club World Cup – a tempting option considering his proven record on this stage. While Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe (-111) leads the market, closely followed by Man City’s Erling Haaland (+110) and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane (+130), few would bet against Messi delivering another tournament masterclass on home turf.