Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has publicly expressed concerns over his team’s lack of squad depth as they prepare to face Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium. The high-stakes tournament, which marks a historic moment for the club, is being overshadowed by injuries and a lack of reinforcements, leaving Mascherano frustrated with the club’s front office.
Mascherano, a former Barcelona and Argentina star, did not mince words when addressing the media on Friday, highlighting the absence of new signings despite months of discussions. “We’ve spent months trying to reinforce the squad, but nothing was done,” Mascherano said, pointing out that Al Ahly, their opening opponents, bolstered their roster with five or six new players for the tournament. “It’s a bit unfair that we haven’t strengthened when our rivals have,” he added, emphasizing the competitive disadvantage Inter Miami faces.
The Herons are already grappling with a depleted roster, with key players Jordi Alba, Yannick Bright, and Gonzalo Luján ruled out for the opener due to injuries, while defender David Martinez remains questionable. Alba, a critical component of Miami’s backline and a primary provider for star forward Lionel Messi, is a particularly significant loss. Mascherano expressed hope that Alba and Bright could return for the team’s second group stage match against FC Porto, but the immediate challenge against Al Ahly looms large.
Despite the setbacks, Mascherano remains optimistic about the opportunity to compete on the global stage, calling the Club World Cup the “most important competition” in Inter Miami’s history. “This club has had a short life, but this is a huge opportunity to see where we stand as a team,” he said. The tournament, expanded to 32 teams and hosted across the United States, pits Inter Miami against formidable opponents, including Porto and Brazil’s Palmeiras in Group A.
Inter Miami’s star-studded lineup, featuring Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets, has drawn global attention, but Mascherano acknowledged that their lack of high-level tournament experience could be a hurdle. Al Ahly, with a storied history of 45 national league titles and 39 domestic cups, presents a formidable challenge. “They are one of the top teams in Africa, and they’ve made significant additions to their squad,” Mascherano noted, underscoring the Egyptian side’s preparedness.
The absence of reinforcements has been a sore point for Mascherano, who took over as head coach following Gerardo Martino’s departure after a disappointing 2024 MLS Cup playoff exit. Inter Miami’s 2025 MLS campaign has been inconsistent, with the team sitting third in the Eastern Conference with 29 points from 16 matches. A strong start to the season, with 11 wins and three draws in their first 14 matches across all competitions, was marred by a slump in April, exposing vulnerabilities in the squad’s depth.
Mascherano’s comments have sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some questioning the club’s management decisions. Posts on X reflect growing concern, with one user noting, “Mascherano’s frustration is clear—the squad is stretched thin, and this tournament could expose that.” Another post highlighted the risk of a “disaster” for Miami if the injuries and lack of signings derail their campaign.
As Inter Miami prepares to kick off the Club World Cup, the spotlight will be on Messi, who has tempered expectations compared to his previous triumphs with Barcelona. “This is a different challenge, but we’re eager to compete,” Messi said. Mascherano echoed this sentiment, emphasizing a game-by-game approach with hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds. However, with a thin roster and a tough group stage ahead, the Herons will need to rely heavily on their star power and Mascherano’s tactical acumen to defy the odds.