Riveiro states Inter Miami more than just about Messi

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Jun 14, 2025. 10:50

Al Ahly manager Jose Riveiro is wary of the threat posed by Lionel Messi when they face Inter Miami in their 2025 Club World Cup opener at the Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, June 15.

Kick-off is at 2am CAT (SA, GMT+2)

The Red Eagles were drawn in Group A of the revamped competition which has been expanded to 32 teams and they will battle it out with the Herons, Palmeiras and FC Porto for a place in the knockout stages.

The record 12-time African champions are making their ninth appearance in the continental showpiece and have claimed the bronze medal on four occasions (2006, 2020, 2021, 2023).

Riveiro, who joined the Cairo giants last month after three successful seasons at Orlando Pirates, has set his sights on reaching the round of 16 at the bare minimum as expectations will be high from their fanatical fans.

“Our goal at this stage is to qualify for the round of 16 as a first step. We want to achieve positive results and we are seriously preparing for the first match against Inter Miami,” the Spaniard told the club’s official website.

“Al Ahly is a great club, with supporters all over the world. We know that many fans expect positive results from us, and we will do everything to make them proud.”

Riveiro addressed the subject of eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, but was quick to point out that Inter have other quality players in their ranks, including Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.

“Of course, Lionel Messi has won everything; some consider him the greatest player in history. This means we will have to put in a big effort in this match,” he added.

“That said, we are happy to face him, but that doesn’t diminish the value of the other Inter Miami players. We are preparing to face the entire team, not just one player.”

Inter are still fairly new on the scene, having only been formed in 2018 and this will be their debut at the Club World Cup.