Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will participate in next year’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup, as announced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
Infantino revealed that Messi and his teammates would open the tournament at Hard Rock Stadium, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, on Sunday, June 15, 2025.
Inter Miami has secured the host nation’s qualification slot. They earned this by winning Major League Soccer’s Supporters’ Shield for the best regular season record.
“Inter Miami qualifies as the host country representative team,” FIFA stated. The club’s 34-match campaign was consistent and outstanding. They clinched the shield with two MLS matches left.
The MLS champions are decided through the MLS Cup playoffs. These playoffs start next week and will end with the final on December 7, 2024.
Miami is a favourite to win the playoffs. However, FIFA’s choice of the regular season winners guarantees Messi’s involvement.
Messi is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. His participation boosts the tournament’s profile significantly.
FIFA hopes to attract a global TV audience and U.S. fans before the 2026 World Cup. Messi may face top European clubs for the first time since leaving PSG.
The 32-team tournament will include title-winning teams from each of FIFA’s continental confederations.
Among the 12 European qualifiers are Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, while South American representation includes Argentina’s River Plate and Boca Juniors, as well as Brazil’s Flamengo.
