Ahly received a favorable draw, joining Inter Miami, Brazilian side Palmeiras, and Portuguese heavyweights FC Porto in a manageable group.
But beyond the group situation, the historic opportunity to launch the tournament against Messi’s Inter Miami is capturing attention.
"It is a great honor for a club like Ahly to play the opening match of this new Club World Cup," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
"Ahly are not just any club. I have visited it personally. It is a historic institution — the most decorated in African football history."
The MLS side features several of Messi’s former Barcelona teammates — Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez — a quartet rich in experience but edging toward the twilight of their careers.
Their recent performances in the MLS have raised concerns over the team’s competitiveness.
Despite Messi’s presence, Inter Miami are seen by the Red Devils as beatable.
"Messi remains an exceptional player. Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets have great experience too. But we are not only playing against them. Inter Miami is a good team and so are we. We expect a tough and very competitive game," Ahly coach Jose Riveiro said during the pre-game press conference.
After facing Miami, Ahly will meet Palmeiras on Thursday 19 June before concluding their group campaign against FC Porto.
A demanding run, but one the Egyptians feel equipped to manage.
"We know we’ll be facing world-class opponents, but this generation has matured and gained the experience needed to face these challenges. Facing Messi is an honor, of course — but not a first. We’ve already played against stars from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich," said full-back Mohamed Hany.
Making history
Ahly are not heading to the United States to make up the numbers.
The Cairo giants aim to make a statement for the inaugural edition of the revamped Club World Cup.
Since January, the club has invested heavily to strengthen its squad.
The recruitment drive began with Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki from Qatar’s Al-Rayyan SC, followed by the short-term return of midfielder Hamdi Fathi, brought back from Qatari side Al-Wakrah specifically for the tournament.
The headline move, however, was the surprise return of winger Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet”, who rejoins the club nearly a decade after leaving for Europe and Gulf.
"I came back to where it all started. Ahly gave me everything. I want to help the club go as far as possible — this club doesn’t believe in the word ‘impossible’," said the former Trabzonspor player.
Another high-profile signing was Ahmed Sayed “Zizo”, a star midfielder from rivals Zamalek, whose move caused major ripples in Egyptian football.
The squad has also been reinforced with the return of Malian international Aliou Dieng, who was brought back from Saudi Arabia, and Tunisian international midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane.
The team also added goalkeeper Mohamed Ahmed and defender Ahmed Ramadan.
With seven new signings, Ahly are among the most active clubs ahead of the tournament, second only to UAE side Al-Ain (8 signings).
These reinforcements, along with established names like Emam Ashour and Wessam Abou Ali, give Ahly a strong foundation and an ambitious outlook.
The Club World Cup build-up also changed the team’s technical staff.
Swiss coach Marcel Koller was dismissed following Ahly’s semi-final exit in the CAF Champions League.
Despite his success at the helm, the team’s underwhelming performances in key matches led the club’s board to act.
José Riveiro, a Spaniard who previously coached in South Africa, has shored up the team's leaky defense, widely considered its main weakness.
That vulnerability was exposed in Ahly’s only pre-tournament friendly, a 1–1 draw against Mexican side Pachuca.
"We’re in a race against time. The staff and players are giving their all to be ready. Our goal is clear: to represent our club with pride and go as far as possible in this competition," Riveiro concluded.
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