FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that Lionel Messi will represent Inter Miami as the only club in the MLS to participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The tournament which is scheduled to hold in the United States next summer, will feature 32 teams, including soccer giants Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Why FIFA Chose Inter Miami For The Club World Cup
FIFA chose Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami, based on criteria that included the team’s outstanding performance in the 2024 season.
Inter Miami won the MLS Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team after recording the best regular-season record.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Inter Miami’s achievement, stating, “You have shown that in the United States, you are consistently the best club on the field of play.”
He also acknowledged Miami’s passion for football and Inter Miami’s exciting brand of play.
While FIFA didn’t disclose specific criteria, the organization unanimously approved regulations for the tournament earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s selection was largely influenced by Messi’s presence, making them an obvious candidate for the host bid.
The Argentine World Cup champion and two-time Copa America champion is playing for an American team in Major League Soccer, drawing massive attention to the league.
The eight time Ballon d’Or holder is Inter Miami’s highest goal scorer netting 21 goals in 25 appearances for the MLS club. Messi won the Leagues Cup for Inter Miami in 2023 and Supporters’ Shield in 2024.
Messi’s participation in the tournament is expected to overshadow other top players, including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Erling Haaland.
Inter Miami will play the opening fixture
Inter Miami will play in the Club World Cup opener at Hard Rock Stadium on June 15, 2025.
The final will take place at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025, the same venue hosting the 2026 World Cup final.
The tournament will feature 30 teams that have won significant championships or are the next highest-ranking clubs in their respective delegations.
Previous MLS Participation
Inter Miami becomes the second MLS team and fifth team from North America to participate in the Club World Cup, joining previous Concacaf Champions Cup winners Monterrey (2021), Seattle Sounders (2022), Club Leon (2023), and Pachuca (2024).
2025 FIFA Club World Cup Qualified Teams
CONCACAF: North America, Central America and the Caribbean
Monterrey (Mexico) – 2021 Concacaf Champions Cup
Seattle Sounders (USA) – 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup
Club Leon (Mexico) – 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup
Pachuca (Mexico) – 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup
Inter Miami (USA) – 2025 Club World Cup host slotpporters’ Shield in 2024.
CONMEBOL: South America
Palmeiras (Brazil) – 2021 CONMEBOL Libertadores
Flamengo (Brazil) – 2022 CONMEBOL Libertadores
Fluminense (Brazil) – 2023 CONMEBOL Libertadores
River Plate (Argentina) – CONMEBOL ranking pathway
Boca Juniors (Argentina) – CONMEBOL ranking pathway
TBD – 2024 CONMEBOL Libertadores
UEFA: Union of European Football Associations
Chelsea (England) – 2020/21 UEFA Champions League
Real Madrid (Spain) – 2021/22 and 2023/24 UEFA Champions League
Manchester City (England) – 2022/23 UEFA Champions League
Bayern Munich (Germany) – UEFA ranking pathway
Paris Saint-Germain (France) – UEFA ranking pathway
Inter Milan (Italy) – UEFA ranking pathway
Porto (Portugal) – UEFA ranking pathway
Benfica (Portugal) – UEFA ranking pathway
Borussia Dortmund (Germany) – UEFA ranking pathway
Juventus (Italy) – UEFA ranking pathway
Atletico Madrid (Spain) – UEFA ranking pathway
FC Salzburg (Austria) – UEFA ranking pathway
AFC: Asian Football Confederation
Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) – 2021 AFC Champions League
Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) – 2022 AFC Champions League
Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) – 2023/24 AFC Champions League
Ulsan HD FC (South Korea) – AFC ranking pathway
CAF: Confederation of African Football
Al Ahly (Egypt) – 2020/21, 2022/23 and 2023/24 CAF Champions League
Wydad (Morocco) – 2021/22 CAF Champions League
ES Tunis (Tunisia) – CAF ranking pathway
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) – CAF ranking pathway
OFC: Oceania Football Confederation
Auckland City (New Zealand) – OFC ranking pathway
Lionel Messi’s Legacy and Inter Miami’s Ambition
Lionel Messi’s presence in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will undoubtedly elevate the tournament’s profile.
Inter Miami’s participation marks a significant milestone for the team and Major League Soccer, demonstrating their growing influence in international football.
As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup approaches, football fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the clash of top teams and the opportunity to witness Lionel Messi’s magic on the international stage once again.
