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Inter Miami has their 11 ready, leading is Messi

Inter Miami, led by none other than Lionel Messi, is gearing up for its second match in Group A of the 2025 Club World Cup, taking on the always-tough FC Porto. The match is set for Thursday, June 19, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, and it's one of the most anticipated clashes of the day — especially with the buzz around Messi facing the team he made his professional debut against back in 2003.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT), and both teams are coming into the match desperate for a win after opening the tournament with scoreless draws — Inter Miami against Al Ahly, and Porto versus Palmeiras. With the group standing on a knife’s edge, this game could go a long way in deciding who makes it to the round of 16.

Star power, tactics, and urgent needs

Coach Javier Mascherano will once again count on his veteran core: Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, supported by rising talents like Tomás Avilés, Federico Redondo, and Benjamín Cremaschi. The expected lineup includes Óscar Ustari; Fray, Avilés, Falcón, Alba; Busquets, Redondo, Allende; Messi, Suárez, and Segovia.

Porto, known for their tactical discipline, will aim to keep Messi quiet. Their coaching staff emphasizes defensive shape and high pressing, with players like Samu Aghehowa, Rodrigo Mora, and Fábio Vieira expected to play crucial roles in breaking up play and punishing mistakes.

A personal story behind the matchup

Beyond the points at stake, there’s history here: Messi made his professional debut for Barcelona in 2003 against Porto, during the opening of the Estádio do Dragão. Now, 21 years later, he faces the Portuguese side again — different stage, same competitive fire. Whoever wins this one will take a huge step toward the knockout rounds in what's shaping up to be one of the tightest groups in the tournament.