FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, Real Madrid find out opponents as groups get confirmed
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Real Madrid have learned their group opponents for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Both teams are among the most eagerly followed at the tournament and will be keen to get the trophy in their cabinet.
Los Blancos have won the competition five times in their illustrious history, with silverware coming in in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2023. The Herons, on the other hand, have never qualified for the Club World Cup. However, their star player Lionel Messi, has claimed the trophy three times: in 2010, 2012, and 2016, during his time with Barcelona.
Inter Miami have been drawn in group A, where they will face FC Porto from Portugal, Palmerias from Brazil, and Al-Ahly from Egypt. The MLS franchise will look to Lionel Messi to help them navigate what could be a tricky group.
Los Blancos, the UEFA Championship holders, face an easy draw for a club of their standing, with Al-Hilal from Saudi Arabia, Pachua from Mexico, and RB Salzburg from Austria joining them in Group H.
Other big teams like PSG, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are also a part of FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Here's the full FIFA Club World Cup 2025 draw:
- Group A: Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami
- Group B: Paris St-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders
- Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica
- Group D: Flamengo, Esperance Sportive de Tunisie, Chelsea, Club Leon
- Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter Milan
- Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns
- Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus
- Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg
"Best team in the world? Real Madrid, the current European champions" Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi ahead of FIFA Club World Cup
In June, Inter Miami forward Messi was asked about the best team in the world at the time, and he answered with Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have a glorious history and a legacy that goes back decades in the sport, and are also the reigning champions of Spain and Europe.
Messi, who began his career with Los Blancos eternal rivals, Barcelona, has faced the Madrid-based giants 47 times, winning 20, drawing 11, and losing 16 of those ties. However, in an interview with InfoBae at the time, the Blaugrana legend spoke highly about Real Madrid. He said that (via GOAL):
"Best team in the world? Real Madrid, the current European champions. If we talk about results, Real Madrid is the best."
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami could face the European champions in the United States of America in 2025 when the sides compete in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. The Argentine star will be keen to add to his impressive haul of 26 goals and 14 assists against the La Liga holders. He has scored 20 goals in the MLS so far this season.