Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano has confirmed that Jordi Alba will miss Saturday’s Club World Cup opener against Al Ahly due to injury.

The Herons are set to feature in the inaugural fixture of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup, with Mascherano’s side scheduled to begin their campaign against Egyptian champions Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Inter Miami head into the encounter in positive form, having secured home victories in their previous two MLS fixtures. They notched a 4–2 win over CF Montréal, followed by an emphatic 5–1 triumph over Columbus Crew at the beginning of the month. That run has elevated them to third place in the Eastern Conference, with 29 points from 16 matches.

Veteran full-back Jordi Alba was absent from the comprehensive victory over Columbus, although there had been optimism that he might recover in time to feature in the Club World Cup clash with Al Ahly.

Mascherano Confirms Absence of Alba and Bright
However, Mascherano has now confirmed that Alba—along with teammate Yannick Bright—will not be available for the eagerly awaited fixture.

“Jordi and Yannick are not available for this game, but hopefully they will be for the second game,” Mascherano told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

“Obviously, we would have loved to have everyone fit for this match and to be able to count on the full squad, which would have made us stronger.”

The duo will now aim to return in time for Inter Miami’s second group-stage fixture against Portuguese giants Porto, which takes place on 19 June at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Inter Miami will conclude the group stage on 23 June when they return to Hard Rock Stadium for a clash with Brazilian side Palmeiras.

Messi Acknowledges Challenge Ahead for Inter Miami
Following his return from international duty with Argentina, Lionel Messi is expected to play a pivotal role in Inter Miami’s Club World Cup journey.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner previously lifted the Club World Cup on three occasions during his illustrious spell at Barcelona. However, he has indicated that his expectations for this tournament are somewhat tempered in comparison.

“It’s a beautiful tournament. It’s exciting to be here and to play in it,” Messi told the media. “But it’s with a different mindset than when I played it with other teams.

“Still, I’m full of energy and hope—looking forward to competing against the best and performing well.”

Messi has enjoyed an impressive start to the current campaign, registering 15 goals and six assists in 20 competitive appearances for Inter Miami, including nine goal contributions in his last three matches.