A rival club president in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup took the spotlight and downplayed Lionel Messi’s influence at Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi has been the standout performer in an otherwise inconsistent 2025 season for Inter Miami, and a strong showing at the FIFA Club World Cup remains one of the club’s biggest objectives. But ahead of their anticipated matchup, a rival president has downplayed the Argentine legend’s impact.
While Inter Miami may not be viewed as a tournament favorite, Messi’s presence adds significant weight—not only to the team but to the competition itself. Still, Palmeiras president Leila Pereira isn’t fazed by the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“For the people, for us, it’s not a problem to play against Messi or against this or that player. He, all of them, will have to face Palmeiras. That’s the truth. And we are prepared,” Pereira said during a Club World Cup trophy unveiling event at Palmeiras’ headquarters in Sao Paulo.
“For Palmeiras, it’s an honor to be participating in this Club World Cup. We are the only club from Sao Paulo competing, and you can be sure that Palmeiras is not going to the United States for a vacation. We will approach every match with great seriousness, as we do in every competition. We have a very strong squad, with a lot of determination, and that’s why facing Messi or anyone else won’t be a problem for us,” he added.
Inter Miami and Palmeiras will face off in Matchday 3 of Group A at Hard Rock Stadium. With FC Porto and Al Ahly rounding out the group, qualification for the knockout stage could be on the line when the two sides meet. If Pereira’s words are any indication, Messi’s presence alone won’t be a psychological edge against the Brazilian giants.
Inter Miami’s recent downturn raises concerns
After enjoying an impressive unbeaten run early in the season, Inter Miami have shown vulnerability in recent weeks. Since their first-leg defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals, the Herons have played five matches—losing four, winning just one, and conceding 14 goals. It’s a concerning trend for a team once seen as surging.
That downturn was further underscored by a blunt assessment from veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets, who spoke candidly during the Formula 1 GP weekend in Miami. “It’s clear that we’re not at the level to compete in the Club World Cup. We’ll try to compete in the group, take it game by game, fight, and hopefully we can reach the next stage—even though it’s going to be difficult,” he told DAZN.
