Playing on one of three MLS teams, Messi and Suárez expressed muted expectations for the tournament against European giants.

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Suffer Major Loss originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Inter Miami CF has one of the most talented rosters in Major League Soccer, but it will be put to the test against the world's best at the FIFA Club World Cup—without one of its biggest stars.

MIAMI — The Club World Cup will take Inter Miami from start-up to the global stage. Just five years after its MLS debut, the team co-owned by David Beckham and starring Lionel Messi will have the eyes of the world on it as it kicks off soccer's newest competition with the chance to be crowned world champion.