Messi and Inter Miami to Open Club World Cup Against Egyptian Club Al Ahly

FILE PHOTO: Aug 6, 2023; Frisco, TX, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) reacts after scoring in the second half against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami now know their path for next year's Club World Cup.
The host team — invited by FIFA to compete despite criticism from many in the soccer world — will play the tournament's first match on June 15 against Egyptian club Al Ahly, as part of a group that will also feature Palmeiras and Porto, The Associated Press reported.
Other opening matches include Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atletico Madrid and Brazilian club Botafogo playing at Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders in Group B; Monterrey against Inter Milan in Group E; and Real Madrid facing the Saudi club Al-Hilal.
The draw was held Thursday in Miami, with the 32 teams finally finding out their first three opponents in the newly expanded event.
The tournament will be held in the US from June 15 to July 13, using 12 stadiums in 11 different cities. The final will be at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the same stadium that will play host to the 2026 World Cup final.
Among the powerhouse clubs in the field: Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan. There’s also the four highest-ranked teams from South America: Flamengo, Palmeiras, River Plate and Fluminense.
And Messi’s team, as a representative of the host nation, gets the distinction of playing the first match. It’ll happen at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
“It’s about inclusivity, it’s about bringing clubs from all over the world, the 32 best clubs and best players from all over the world together,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.