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Miami Herald
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Amid injuries and uncertainty, Inter Miami's Club World Cup debut fast approaches
By the time the first official FIFA Club World Cup practice began Monday morning, it was already 90 degrees on Inter Miami's practice pitch. Even without key players Lionel Messi, Fafa Picault, and Telasco Segovia — who are all out of the country on international fixtures for FIFA World Cup qualifying matches — the men in pink got down to business quickly, running shooting and passing drills. Fans are waiting anxiously for Inter Miami's first stint in the Club World Cup, which takes place Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium. The team will open the tournament against Egyptian club Al Ahly, but it's a difficult bet to make on how Miami will fare in the tournament. The team had a particularly treacherous May, losing MLS matches to Minnesota and Orlando and drawing San Jose and Philadelphia. By the end of the month, the team had been mocked mercilessly on social media, and fans were calling for new head coach Javier Mascherano's firing. Before their games versus Montreal and Columbus, Miami had dropped to sixth place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings — a far cry from their high ride at the same time in 2024. But with the Club World Cup fast approaching, the team seemed to turn a corner, blowing out both Montreal and Columbus, 4-2 and 5-1, respectively, to end the month. Once the rest of the star-studded roster returns, things could be looking up for Miami entering the tournament. Except many key players still appear to be down for the count. Star left back Jordi Alba and center back Gonzalo Luján were not present at the first official Club World Cup practice. Both sustained unspecified muscle injuries during the team's win over Montreal and have yet to return. Similarly, midfielder Yannick Bright, who suffered a hamstring injury during the team's match versus Philadelphia was off training and rehabbing to the side with fellow midfielder David Ruiz. Ruiz sustained an injury early in the season and has been out since March. Both midfielders spent the hot, Monday morning practice working on cardio and agility, but notably did not work with the ball or the rest of the team on any shooting or passing drills. In happier news for Inter Miami fans, both goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who just signed a contract extension with the team through 2026, and 20-year-old center back Tomas Aviles were back training with the team Monday morning following injuries which took them off the roster in mid-May. They looked to be in top form – Aviles worked through all of practice with the majority of the team on the pitch, while Ustari kept ball after ball out of the net during drills with fellow goalkeepers Rocco Ríos Novo and Will Yarbrough. But with a crucial week for the team ahead, it's ultimately uncertain who will take the field versus Al Ahly on Saturday. Will Ustari's and Aviles' return to practice keep them in good shape for the match? How will Messi, Picault, and Segovia, alongside rising young stars Benjamin Cremaschi and Santiago Morales, fare during their time abroad? Only time will tell.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Can Lionel Messi lead Inter Miami to FIFA Club World Cup 2025 glory?
As the football world turns its gaze to the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025, the spotlight inevitably falls on Lionel Messi . The Argentine legend will lead MLS club Inter Miami into the global tournament with hopes of etching his name into yet another chapter of football history. Despite questions surrounding Inter Miami's qualification, there is no denying the buzz generated by Messi's presence. Messi, who will be turning 38 on June 24, may not possess the blistering pace of his prime, but his vision, technique, and leadership remain unmatched. Surrounded by a growingly competitive MLS squad, he brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality that could inspire Inter Miami on the big stage. The victory will not only be a big achievement for Inter Miami, but will also provide a big boost to the United States, who will be co-hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 along with Mexico and Canada. Is Messi ready for the Club World Cup? Following an exceptional performance in the 2025 MLS season, Messi has netted five goals in his previous three fixtures. His remarkable contribution has elevated Inter Miami's position from sixth to third in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. Messi has become the top performer in MLS, accumulating 16 goal contributions this season, with 10 goals and 6 assists. His outstanding form includes 5 goals and 4 assists during Inter Miami's ongoing three-match unbeaten run. Messi, who has become first back-to-back Player of the Matchday winner this season, is all set for the high-stakes tournament. Live Events Inter Miami, led by Messi, will commence their Club World Cup campaign in the tournament's opening match on June 14, facing Egyptian side Al Alhy at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Inter Miami will then take on against Portugal's FC Porto at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 19, followed by their final group stage encounter with Brazilian club SE Palmeiras back in Miami on June 23. Will Messi play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the US? The primary concern among football enthusiasts worldwide, beyond the Club World Cup discussions, centres on Messi's potential appearance in Argentina's colours at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The uncertainty remains as Messi has not made any definitive statement about his participation in the tournament, despite his current involvement in the FIFA qualifiers. The football icon landed in Argentina on Monday to join his World Cup-winning national team for the 2026 tournament qualifiers. The schedule includes an away fixture against Chile on June 5, followed by a home match against Colombia on June 10 in Buenos Aires. Messi's last appearance for the national side was in November 2024. He failed to find the net during Argentina's 2-1 defeat to Paraguay on November 14, while in the next match on November 19, he provided the crucial assist for Lautaro Martinez in their 1-0 victory against Peru. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
USA Today
28-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal live updates: Time, how to watch Lionel Messi play tonight
Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal live updates: Time, how to watch Lionel Messi play tonight Show Caption Hide Caption Messi 'never imagined' he would achieve what he has Lionel Messi says his dream was only ever to be a professional, and thanked God for all his success Stats Perform Video FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Can Lionel Messi and struggling Inter Miami get back on track Wednesday night against one of the worst teams in Major League Soccer? Inter Miami hosts CF Montreal – ranked last place in the East, and second-to-last among all MLS teams – at Chase Stadium. It's the first of two matches this week for Inter Miami before they turn their focus to competing in the FIFA Club World Cup next month. And Inter Miami enters the match in desperate search of a victory. Overall, Messi's side has won just twice in their last 10 matches across all competitions, and dropped to seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference. They've conceded 23 goals, and scored 16 goals while losing five times and settling for three draws during that span. In their last match, Inter Miami stormed back with two late goals – a free kick by Messi, and another goal assisted by Messi – in a 3-3 draw with the first-place Philadelphia Union last Saturday. Here's everything you need to know about the Messi game today, and stay tuned for live updates from USA TODAY Sports during the match: Inter Miami hosts CF Montreal at Chase Stadium on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET. The match will be available to stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. Messi is expected to play against Montreal, but his status will be confirmed when Inter Miami announces its starting lineup an hour before the match begins. Inter Miami 4, Montreal 1: Expect Messi, Luis Suarez and Inter Miami to get back on track with a multi-goal performance at home. Montreal and Inter Miami enter their match ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, in surrendering goals to their opponents. However, Montreal is tied with Austin as the lowest-scoring clubs in MLS with just 10 goals from 15 matches this season. -Safid Deen Inter Miami is the favorite to win at home (-250), while a draw (+400) has better odds than a road win by Montreal (+550). The over/under is set at 3.5 goals, according to BETMGM. May 28: Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS) Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS) May 31: Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS) Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS) June 5: Chile vs. Argentina, 9 p.m. ET (World Cup qualifying) Chile vs. Argentina, 9 p.m. ET (World Cup qualifying) June 10: Argentina vs. Colombia, 8 p.m. ET (World Cup qualifying) Messi, Inter Miami schedule for Club World Cup
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal: Time, TV, how to live stream Wednesday
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi and struggling Inter Miami remain a work in progress with two matches remaining before the FIFA Club World Cup next month. Inter Miami, which had the best regular season in MLS history last year, is seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference after a recent stretch of just two wins, three draws and five losses in their last 10 matches across all competitions. Messi's side desperately needs a victory, but it isn't a forgone conclusion one could come Wednesday when Inter Miami hosts CF Montreal – ranked last place in the East, and second-to-last among all MLS teams. "Regardless of their position, I think if you watch Montreal's games, you'll see that in many of them they deserved much more than they got," Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said before Tuesday's training session. Montreal enters the match after relinquishing leads and settling for draws at home against two standouts MLS clubs in their last three matches: They finished 1-1 against Columbus Crew on May 14, and drew 2-2 against LAFC on May 28. Inter Miami ousted LAFC from the Concacaf Champions Cup earlier this season. They beat Columbus Crew 1-0 on April 19, and will host the Crew on Saturday before preparing for the Club World Cup. Inter Miami enters the Montreal match after storming back with two late goals – a Messi free kick, and another assisted by Messi – in a 3-3 draw with the first-place Philadelphia Union last Saturday. Overall, Inter Miami has conceded 23 goals while scoring 16 goals in their last 10 matches. "Above all, I want to prioritize and focus on ourselves, try to maintain what we've done in Philadelphia, improve in some areas – especially defensively – and get another win to boost the team's confidence," Mascherano said. When is the Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal match? Inter Miami hosts CF Montreal at Chase Stadium on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET. How to watch Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal live stream? The match will be available to stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. Is Messi playing vs. CF Montreal on Wednesday? Messi is expected to play against Montreal, but his status will be confirmed when Inter Miami announces its starting lineup an hour before the match begins. How has Inter Miami fared in their last 10 matches? April 13: Inter Miami settles for scoreless draw on the road vs. Chicago Fire. Messi to join Argentina before Club World Cup Messi has been called up by the defending World Cup champions, and expected to play with Argentina for two qualifying matches for the 2026 tournament. Argentina will visit Chile on June 5 and host Colombia on June 10. Messi, Inter Miami upcoming schedule May 28: Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET May 31: Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m. ET Messi, Inter Miami schedule for Club World Cup June 14: Inter Miami vs. Al Alhy, 8 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami) Inter Miami vs. Al Alhy, 8 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami) June 19: Inter Miami vs FC Porto, 3 p.m. ET (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta) Inter Miami vs FC Porto, 3 p.m. ET (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta) June 23: Inter Miami vs. Palmerias, 9 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami)
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Messi and Miami fight back for 3-3 draw at Philadelphia
INTER Miami fought back from 3-1 down to grab a 3-3 draw at MLS Eastern Conference leaders the Philadelphia Union on Saturday thanks to a stoppage-time leveller from substitute Telasco Segovia. Israeli forward Tai Baribo scored twice for Philadelphia to give them the two goal advantage but Lionel Messi gave Miami hope with an 87th-minute free-kick before Venezuelan Segovia dramatically grabbed the point. Quinn Sullivan, called up this week by Mauricio Pochettino to the US national team squad, fired Philadelphia ahead in the seventh minute with a sweet strike after Miami's defence had failed to close down. Baribo made it 2-0 with an instinctive finish in the 44th minute as Miami's defensive troubles continued. The visitors got a foothold in the game in the 60th minute when Noah Allen floated in a cross from the left which was met by a firm header from Argentine Tadeo Allende. But Philadelphia restored their two-goal cushion when, from a long throw, Miami were unable to clear and Jean-Jacques Danley pounced on the loose ball and Baribo fired home. Messi beat Union keeper Andrew Rick with a characteristically well driven free-kick for his sixth goal of the season three minutes from the end of regulation time to set up a frantic finale. Jovan Lukic hit the bar from inside the box early in stoppage time as Philly looked to wrap-up the win but they were left crestfallen in the fifth minute of stoppage time when, after good work from Messi, Segovia pounced and blasted home. There was still time for one more chance but an unmarked Danley, who had an outstanding game in midfield, somehow headed wide from close range. While the result was a welcome sign of character from Miami, they remain with just one win in their past eight games in all competitions having conceded 23 goals.
