Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said this Friday that his players have a unique opportunity to shine in the FIFA Club World Cup, where they will face teams they have never played before. The Argentine manager didn’t hesitate to describe the tournament as “the most important competition in the club’s history.”

A major challenge for a young club hungry for success

“We’re surely facing the most important competition in the history of our club. It hasn’t been around for long, but this is the biggest tournament we’ve played,” Mascherano said during the pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday opening clash against Al Ahly of Egypt.

Key absences in defense and missing reinforcements

Mascherano regretted not having his full squad available for the opener, with defenders Jordi Alba and Gonzalo Luján ruled out. He also voiced frustration over the lack of reinforcements for such a high-stakes tournament.

“We’ve been talking for two months about the clear need to strengthen the team,” said the former Barcelona midfielder, adding that after the competition, “everyone will have to take responsibility.”

Messi return brings hope

One piece of good news for the Herons is the return of Lionel Messi after the international break. Mascherano expressed gratitude that the Argentine star was able to rest during one of Argentina two recent matches, allowing him to arrive fit for the Club World Cup.

“We have high hopes with Leo in the squad. As we always say, the goal is to support him, to create an environment where he feels comfortable and can do what he’s always done,” he stated.

A new club looking to make history

Despite being founded only in 2018, Inter Miami has brought together stars like Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, which helped them finish first in the MLS regular season last year.

“We’re fortunate to have several players who’ve competed in tournaments like this, not just at the club level, but also with their national teams,” Mascherano noted, pointing out that he shared the locker room with all of them during his time at FC Barcelona.

While acknowledging that “normally a European club wins this tournament,” he expressed hope that Inter Miami can be the tournament’s surprise package.

A debut under a tense backdrop

Inter Miami and Al Ahly will kick off the tournament this Saturday at Miami Hard Rock Stadium amid strong local interest. However, the tournament’s launch has been overshadowed by ongoing U.S. immigration raids, which have raised concerns about potential enforcement actions at match venues.