German football legend Lothar Matthaus doesn't fancy Inter Miami's chances at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. He believes the Lionel Messi-led team will make a decent start but ultimately fall short against stronger opposition.
"Inter Miami will make a run, but I don't think they can go to the final," Matthaus told the Miami Herald. "The European teams and some teams from South America are stronger and better than the teams from Major League Soccer."
The expanded Club World Cup kicks off this summer in the United States with 32 clubs from around the globe. Inter Miami finds themselves in a challenging Group A alongside FC Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras. That's some serious competition for the MLS side.
Despite his skepticism about the team's chances, Matthaus believes Messi himself will handle the tournament pressure beautifully. "It's not too much pressure because Messi has had pressure all his life: World Cup finals, Copa America, national team games, Champions League finals, El Clásico... He knows what pressure means."
Elite Competition Awaits
The tournament features football's biggest clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG, and Inter Milan. These European powerhouses represent a significant step up from MLS competition.
"This is a tournament where you can win a very important title: best club in the world. And a lot of money," explained Matthaus. "I think every team is motivated. They'll be playing with their best first XI."
For bettors, this suggests backing European giants might be the safer play. The odds will likely reflect Matthaus's sentiment that teams like Inter Miami face an uphill battle against established Champions League contenders.
Messi's Global Impact Continues
Matthaus also highlighted Messi's incredible global appeal that transcends borders. "He is an idol for most kids. Not only in America. In Germany, too," he said.
"I have a son. He's 11 years old, and when they have training sessions, you see a lot of Messi shirts. The old shirt from Barcelona, the new shirt from Inter Miami."
Inter Miami's recent form has been mixed. They were knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Vancouver Whitecaps with a disappointing 5-1 aggregate score. However, they're performing well in MLS, currently holding fourth place with 21 points from ten games.
The Club World Cup represents a unique challenge for Messi and Inter Miami. While they might struggle against football's elite clubs, their participation alone marks a significant moment for MLS on the world stage.
Will Messi's magic be enough to help Inter Miami exceed expectations? Matthaus doesn't think so, but the Argentine has made a career of proving doubters wrong. Either way, the tournament promises plenty of excitement when it kicks off this summer.
