German legend Lothar Matthaus has shared a blunt verdict on Inter Miami’s chances in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Matthaus feels the Lionel Messi-led side will enjoy a good start to the tournament, but might struggle to go the distance. A total of 32 clubs from different parts of the globe will compete in the Club World Cup, slated to be hosted in the United States in June-July. Inter Miami has been pooled in Group A, alongside FC Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras. Given the strength of their fellow teams, the Herons, with Messi in front, will require some exceptional performances to reach the playoffs. “Inter Miami will make a run, but I don’t think they can go to the final because the European teams and some teams from South America are stronger and better than the teams from Major League Soccer,” Matthaus said, as per the Miami Herald. He, however, remains hopeful about Messi making an impression at the Club World Cup. “It’s not too much pressure because Messi has had pressure all his life: World Cup finals, Copa America, national team games, club games, Champions League finals, El Clásico in Spain between Real Madrid and Barcelona. He knows what pressure means,” Matthaus added. The former Bayern Munich star further referred to the competitiveness of the global event featuring European giants like Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Milan. “This is a tournament where you can win a very important title: best club in the world. And a lot of money. I think every team is motivated. They’ll be playing with their best first XI, they will give their best to win the title,” he explained. During the conversation, Matthaus also opened up about the craze for Messi in every part of the world. “He is an idol for most kids. Not only in America. In Germany, too. I have a son. He’s 11 years old, and I sometimes follow his football games. And when they have training sessions, you see a lot of Messi shirts. The old shirt from Barcelona, the new shirt from Inter Miami,” he revealed. Inter Miami were recently knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions by Vancouver Whitecaps, who won the two-leg semi-finals on a 5-1 aggregate. They, however, are doing well in the MLS and holds the fourth spot in the league standings with 21 points in ten games.