Inter Miami fullback Jordi Alba has warned that his side face a difficult challenge in their Club World Cup opener against Al Ahly.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's Group A opener, Alba acknowledged the magnitude of the tournament and the strength of Inter Miami's first opponents, Al Ahly.
"We start our campaign with a tough match," he told FIFA's official website . "But we're lucky enough to be playing here at home, and we hope that people come on down, get behind us, and enjoy the match."
The clash at the newly expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup marks a historic moment for both clubs. Inter Miami making their global debut, and Al Ahly aiming to assert their continental dominance on U.S. soil.
Alba, 36, emphasized that home support could make a crucial difference. "All the group-stage matches are going to be special," he said.
Drawn into a competitive group alongside Al Ahly, Brazil's Palmeiras, and Portugal's Porto, Inter Miami will be eyeing a statement run in the tournament's inaugural campaign.
Jordi Alba, who is reunited with long-time Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi in Miami, expressed optimism about the club's ambitions. "We want to be competitive and make our mark," he said. "It's the first time we've had the opportunity to play on the global stage. We have high hopes as a team and as a club, and we're keen to make the fans proud."
After the opener against Al Ahly, Inter Miami will go on to face Porto on June 19 before concluding the group stage against Palmeiras on June 24.