Al Ahly star shares excitement for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and Lionel Messi

Emam Ashour, the star of Egyptian champions Al Ahly SC, has voiced his excitement ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which will take place in the United States of America.

In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, Ashour expressed his enthusiasm for participating in one of the biggest club football tournaments in the world:

“Of course, I feel extremely excited to participate in such a tournament, and I hope we can bring joy to our fans.”

Al Ahly vs Inter Miami will be the tournament’s opening match on June 15, with the Egyptian giants set to face the MLS club led by global icon Lionel Messi. The kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 a.m. GMT.

Commenting on playing against Messi and Inter Miami, Ashour said:

“Without a doubt, I am very excited to play against the best player in the world. I am confident in our ability to achieve something worthy of our name and the name of Al Ahly.”

Ashour, who had a breakout season in the Egyptian Premier League, finished as the league’s top scorer, playing a key role in Al Ahly’s domestic dominance.

About the fan support, he emphasized:

“Certainly, we are waiting for the support of all our fans. Their presence gives the match its real meaning, and without them, it loses much of its value. My message to them is that we need them to stand by us and support us, just as they always have in all matches and tournaments.”

Ashour also expressed his enthusiasm for playing on American soil, where many of the stadiums hosting the 2025 Club World Cup will also be used in the FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada:

“Of course, I am very eager to compete in these stadiums. Tournaments like this represent an opportunity that every player looks forward to—to participate and shine.”