Jordi Alba To Miss Inter Miami's FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Opener Against Al Ahly

Inter Miami Head Coach Javier Mascherano Reveals Roster Changes Ahead of FIFA Club World Cup Opener

Miami, USA - June 14, 2025 - Ahead of Inter Miami's highly anticipated opening match against Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the team's head coach Javier Mascherano has confirmed that full-back Jordi Alba and holding midfielder Yannick Bright will be sitting out due to injury.

The 41-year-old Argentine gaffer acknowledged that his team would have loved to have a full roster for the opener but expressed hope that Albà would be available for the second match in the competition.

"I'd love to have everyone fit for this game and our full roster, that would allow us to be stronger," Mascherano said. "But we can't control everything, we will focus on what we can control."

On the other hand, Al Ahly's head coach Jose Riveiro believes his team needs to be cautious of Lionel Messi during their curtain-raiser match against Inter Miami.

"Lionel is still an incredible player with a skill that is hard to find. I think it's about ensuring he doesn't get good service and trying to stop them," Riveiro said.

The tournament marks a significant milestone for both teams, as FIFA revamps the competition to include more teams and create a unique 32-team group and knockout event.

"This is a unique competition and we're privileged to be part of it. We expect it will test our level and see what we're capable of," Mascherano said.

Inter Miami takes on Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium in the United States on June 15, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for both teams in the FIFA Club World Cup.

As the tournament kicks off, stay tuned to News18 Sports for live updates, commentary, and highlights from all the matches.