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Former Real Madrid player Geremi Njitap believes Lionel Messi's Inter Miami do not stand a chance of winning the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The Herons will kick off the US-based tournament against Egyptian side Al Ahly on their home ground, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, on Saturday, June 14.
Inter Miami were granted a spot in the Club World Cup after winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2024. While Lionel Messi has continued to strut his stuff in Major League Soccer (MLS), there are no doubts that he has passed his prime. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will turn 38 later this month.
In a recent interview with Boyle Sports, Geremi stated that Messi is no longer young and would come up against clubs whose players are at their prime in the Club World Cup, which reduces the Herons' chances of winning it.
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He said (via GOAL):
"Lionel Messi is no longer young and while playing for Inter Miami, he isn’t surrounded by great players like he has been in the past. He is going to come up against great clubs who have great players in the peak of their careers, he might well perform at a high level but does he have a chance of winning it? I don’t think so. He is Messi and he will still show his quality, but to the level we have seen him in the past? I don’t think we will."
Along with Al Ahly, Inter Miami are paired with Palmeiras and Porto in the competition's Group A.
“We are a little selfish” - Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas on how they aim to win more trophies with Lionel Messi
Jorge Mas, who currently co-owns Inter Miami with David Beckham, recently spoke about Lionel Messi’s future at the club. Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 and his current deal with the club will run out at the end of 2025.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Mas spoke about how the team is hungry to win more titles with the Argentine icon.
"We are a little selfish," Mas said. "We would like to see more trophies and obviously with Messi here. I won't speak for Messi, but I speak for me and the club. Lionel from day one has said he wants to compete and win. He is a competitive animal. Obviously, we want to assure that we have the best roster to compete at the highest levels. We'd have to ask Leo, but I think he knows we are doing everything possible."
"There is no tool that the league provides us that we have not used to better this roster: signing young players, finding other cracks. For next year, find another star player because we have the space in the roster. From our part, there is not much missing. There is no rush, we don't need to do it today or tomorrow, but soon we will know Messi's decision and hopefully we remain together for many more years."
Lionel Messi is currently Inter Miami’s all-time leading goalscorer. He has registered 21 goal contributions for the club in 20 appearances across competitions this season.
