Sergio Busquets admits Inter Miami are 'not at the level to compete' at Club World Cup despite Lionel Messi's presence

The Herons will be taking part at FIFA’s expanded global gathering in the United States this summer. They have accepted a special invitation to that event, with Messi’s presence making them of obvious appeal to fans across North America.

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Inter Miami, who are co-owned by Manchester United and England legend David Beckham, have been placed in Group A alongside Al Ahly, Palmeiras and Porto. Fans will have hoped to reach at least the knockout stages, but Busquets has sought to rein in expectations.

The World Cup-winning Barcelona legend has told DAZN: “It’s clear that we’re not at the level to compete in the Club World Cup. But we’ll try to compete in the group, take it game by game, fight, and hopefully move on to the next round, although it’s going to be tough.”

While Busquets is playing Inter Miami’s chances down, Sergio Aguero has previously told FIFA’s official website of a team that includes an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner: “We know that Messi is one of the players that everyone wants to see, so it'll be very nice to see Inter Miami compete at the tournament, especially with Leo in the team. He’s going to want to give his all as he doesn't like to lose anything.”

Messi has won the Club World Cup on three previous occasions with Barcelona - in 2009, 2011 and 2015. His game time is being carefully managed this season, which should help to have him firing on all cylinders when another notable tournament gets underway on June 14.