The Lionel Messi interview -- Argentina captain reveals plans for FIFA Club World Cup 2025

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Argentine superstart Lionel Messi, who will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup with Inter Miami, talks about the tournament, how it can help South American football and more.

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi said "it is a privilege to be a part" of the FIFA Club World Cup, which is scheduled to start on June 15.

Messi's side will take on Egyptian side Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium to kick off the 2025 edition of the tournament.

"It is a great opportunity South American teams from different places to be able to compete with the European teams, with the big teams, with the teams that are world-class," Messi said.

Inter Miami will have to rely heavily on Messi's firepower as they prepare for the Club World Cup opener, with coach Javier Mascherano forced to re-shuffle his backline due to a string of injuries.

Fullback Jordi Alba, fellow defender Gonzalo Lujan and defensive midfielder Yannick Bright have all been ruled out of the Group A clash at the Hard Rock Stadium.

"They are not available for this game, hopefully they will be for the second game," Mascherano told a press conference on Friday.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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