Lionel Messi's Inter Miami were given arguably a kind draw for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup — albeit one that still represents a stern challenge.
The 'host club' of the event, the MLS Supporters Shield winners are invitees and could be facing a number of world juggernauts depending on their progress as the tournament expands to a full 32-team deal, similar to international World Cup formats over the last few decades.
Here's a rundown of the opponents that will face Messi and his team at next year's event.
MORE: Club World Cup draw, full schedule | Prize money on offer | All-time tournament winners
Inter Miami's Club World Cup opponents
With the draw completed on December 7, Inter Miami — who already knew they would be placed in Group A and play in the opening match — were pitted against three daunting opponents.
- Palmeiras (Brazil)
- Porto (Portugal)
- Al Ahly (Egypt)
Who will Inter Miami face in the knockouts?
If they win their group, Inter Miami will face the runners-up of Group B in the Round of 16. Should they go through as runners-up of their own group, they will meet Group B's winners.
Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, or Seattle Sounders.
Which pot were Inter Miami in?
They were in Pot 4 of 4, making it likely their group would be a tough one.
However, with Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and more under new head coach Javier Mascherano — as well as home field advantage for some of the tournament — they'll be fancying their chances of a good run.
How do Club World Cup pots work?
Each group at the Club World Cup comprises one team from Pot 1, a team from Pot 2, one from Pot 3 and one from Pot 4.
With Miami being in Pot 4, we know they'll face one team each from 1, 2 and 3.
MORE: All the latest soccer action | Lionel Messi news
Club World Cup pots in full
- Pot 1: Man City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Flamengo, Palmeiras, River Plate, Fluminense
- Pot 2: Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, FC Porto, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Juventus, Salzburg
- Pot 3: Al Hilal, Ulsan HD, Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, Monterrey, Leon, Boca Juniors, Botafogo
- Pot 4: Urawa Red Diamonds, Al Ain, Hope of Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns, Pachuca, Seattle Sounders, Auckland City, Inter Miami
