Al Ahly defender Karim Fouad has revealed his side’s plan to stop Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in their opening game of the FIFA Club World Cup. The Egyptian champions are set to face the Herons in the tournament opener on Sunday, June 15, at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Karim Fouad said to Btolat that his side will leave their fate in God. The Egyptian defender also claimed that Al Ahly have top-level players who are confident about giving winning performances in the club tournament. He said (via Soccer Laduma):
Al Ahly have solidified their dominance in Egyptian football, winning the title eight times in the last 10 editions. They secured a spot in the Club World Cup with their triumph in the 2020-21 CAF Champions League.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami are the host and also the MLS Supporters’ Shield champions. Lionel Messi had guided the Herons to the Leagues Cup title in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024. Additionally, the in-form club captain has bagged 49 goals and 24 assists in 59 games for the Herons.
Newell’s Old Boys president Ignacio Astore has claimed that Lionel Messi wishes to join the Argentine club as his contract with Inter Miami appears to expire soon. Messi is in his last year of contract with the Herons, and talks over extension have not advanced smoothly.
While speaking to TyC Sports, Ignacio Astore acknowledged that he hasn’t spoken to the 37-year-old about joining Newell’s Old Boys. However, he’s aware of Lionel Messi’s admiration for the club and desire to return. He said (via GOAL):
Messi played for Newell’s Old Boys’ youth side from 1995 to 2000. However, he never made a first-team appearance for the Argentine side because he joined Barcelona in 2000. However, the 37-year-old’s deal with the Herons is expected to be extended by at least a year.
Shashank has been a Liverpool supporter since 2014 and had first stumbled upon the club after receiving a gift which had the words ‘Liverpool FC’ written on it. He has idolised Steven Gerrard over the years but his favorite football memory is the Reds’ incredible comeback 4-0 win over Barcelona in the 2019 Champions League semis. He, unsurprisingly, also loves Jurgen Klopp’s managerial style.
He strives to report 100% accurate content by going through several social media platforms, and prides himself on his above-average vocabulary and researching skills. In his career so far, Shashank has had the privilege of interviewing Indian national football team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Shashank also follows the Indian Super League and the Eredivisie along with European Football. In his off time, he likes to do theatre, watch Tennis, and travel.
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