Former Barcelona and Liverpool player Mascherano, who has been in charge of Inter Miami since November 2024, believes the competition is an opportunity to represent not just America, but the Latin American community.
“We’re in quite a unique place because, despite being in the United States, we’re in a place where there is a big Latino community and you can really feel that Latin American atmosphere," he explained.
"And then specifically with Inter Miami, being in a city like Miami offers the chance for many people who are visiting as tourists to come and watch us play.
"But we also have lots of fans too, which you see at our games, we hope they support us and come to all three matches, including the one we have to play away in Atlanta.”
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Led by legendary Argentine Lionel Messi, Inter Miami will be determined to prove themselves against some of the world's most talented club sides, starting with Al Ahly on Saturday.
Mascherano admitted he was looking forward to seeing the fans' passion in the US, comparing the tournament "to what a FIFA World Cup might be like".
He continued: “The objective is to try to compete to the best of our ability, just as we do in all competitions, knowing that it’s a top-level competition, that we’re going to face top-class teams.
"In our minds, it’s about trying our best and having the ability to take it one game at a time, trying to give ourselves a chance of making it through the group stage and getting into the last 16."
On his superstar compatriot Messi, Mascherano was effusive in his praise for the forward's impact on both Inter Miami's fortunes and the footballing world in general.
"He is the number one, and the number one transcends sport. They transform sport and revolutionise all the places that they go to.
"In the case of Leo, it’s striking the way he’s managed to have such a huge impact on this country, and we have to make the most of the impact that he’s had.”
Inter Miami full-back Alba, who played with Messi at Barcelona for nine years between 2012-21, echoed Mascherano's comments.
“The chance to come here and share the dressing room (with Messi) once again at Inter Miami, as soon as we saw each other, we understood each other again," said the Spaniard.
"We’ve been fortunate to combine for many goals, and it’s really easy to do that and play alongside the best player in history.
“It’s a privilege for me, and I have always said this: having Leo makes any team better, and in my case, it also made me a better player."
While Alba acknowledged the level of competition will be tough for Inter Miami, he remains confident they'll be able to use their home advantage to progress in the tournament.
“All the group games will be special. We’ll be facing very difficult opponents, but we have a home advantage, and we hope the fans will come to support us and enjoy the games," he explained.
"We know it’s a tough group against great teams, but we are dreaming big and have high hopes to compete and do a great job in a very tough tournament.”
Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba were speaking ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Watch all 63 games live on DAZN for free.