Lionel Messi, forward for Inter Miami, said this Friday that he’s arriving with “a lot of excitement to compete against the best” at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, a tournament that kicks off this Saturday with his team facing Al Ahly. While he admitted he’s approaching this stage of his career with a different mindset, he made it clear that he’s hungry to “do well.”

A tournament that hits different

“It’s a beautiful tournament, and I’m excited to play in it. I’m seeing it differently than when I was with other teams, but I’m still just as pumped. Really looking forward to competing with the best and putting in a strong performance,” Messi told FIFA. The Argentine star will lead the MLS side in a competition stacked with elite clubs.

He also pointed out how massive the tournament is: “Some of the world’s biggest teams are coming, and it draws a huge crowd. These are clubs with big-name players that fans love to watch.”

Ready to take on the giants

In the group stage, Inter Miami will go up against some serious contenders: Al Ahly, Palmeiras, and Porto. It's a tough group that will test the Americans—and Messi himself—who’s looking to show off all his experience at the top level on U.S. soil.

“It’s a different kind of tournament, something new. I think it’s a great opportunity to see the best—or many of the best—right here in the United States. It’s something really exciting,” added the World Cup-winning captain of Argentina.

Finally, Messi praised the inclusion of South American clubs and the chance to go head-to-head with top European teams: “It’s a special chance for South American teams—and others from around the world—to compete with the top European sides, who are the global benchmark. It’s an amazing experience, both for the players and the fans in the stadium.”