Before getting started, it is important to clarify that an international football tournament without Lionel Messi in it, is an unfathomable thought for majority of the current generation. However, the way in which the genius is tipped to be included in FIFA’s lates ‘masterstroke’ has sparked a lot of debate.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after deciding that he had had enough of football in Europe. It seemed as though he was away from the spotlight finally, and was ready to play ball with his Barcelona buddies in the Sunshine state and ride off into retirement.
But nope, he kept proving week-in and week-out why he was still one of the best footballers in the world – the 2023 Ballon D’Or proved that (Erling Haaland backers look away).
With Inter Miami, his first season was dismal; ineffective rather. That’s because he joined when the Florida-based club (founded by David Beckham), its season was already over, and Inter Miami finished in 14th out of 15 teams in its conference.
The reward for the same? FIFA inviting them over to the its inaugural Club World-Cup set to be hosted in the US in 2025.
According to several sources including Marca — who recently awarded Messi with the Greatest of All Time trophy — FIFA will formally announce that Inter Miami will be a guest in the 2025 Club World Cup.
Inter Miami are performing well in the MLS this season and currently sit at the top of the Eastern Conference, eight points clear of Columbus Crew. They are among the favorites to win the Cup and officially claim the title of the best team in the US—a feat that would have propelled them to even greater heights at the start of the 2025 season.
IMCF Academy this Supporters’ Shield is also yours🛡️ ✨ pic.twitter.com/oOkmqtd6Co
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 3, 2024
But some might argue that FIFA prematurely invited Messi’s team to the party, despite there being stronger teams in the US—and even in CONCACAF—that are more deserving of an additional spot.
Rumors that Inter Miami will squeeze onto the bus for the Club World Cup have yet to be confirmed. However, an official announcement is expected soon.
You can just read past this line because it’s a cliché by this point – Messi is one of the most popular players in the world, if not the, despite his career in Europe being over.
Millions line up for tickets to watch the Rosario-born maestro, and with good reason—Messi continues to bewilder defenders and opposition managers alike, both at club and international levels. And FIFA wants that.
So far, the Club World Cup has been a commercial and marketing failure. In fact, the tournament still hasn’t secured an official broadcaster, despite the kickoff being just eight months away. Many feel the competition offers little value, as most participating clubs will be coming off long, grueling seasons.
Several players have also opposed the idea of holding the tournament in June, a time when they typically rest and recharge.
But, as FIFA has shown before, they prioritize profit over player concerns. And bringing Messi into the tournament would be massive. For starters, securing TV rights would be a given.
Inter Miami set to be named as one of the 32 teams who will play in the new FIFA Club World Cup next summer in the United States. Confirmation expected in the next few days.
Inter Miami’s participation will mean Lionel Messi will play in the month-long tournament along the likes…— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) October 18, 2024
Additionally, every Inter Miami match could expect a sold-out crowd. The tournament’s US location, home to a large Argentine diaspora and traveling fans eager to see their legend in action, ensures packed stadiums.
Since the tournament is held in the US, it would also mean that there could be an ‘automatic’ spot for the hosts, and Inter Miami the natural choice.
Whether Messi and Inter Miami deserve a free pass is up for debate, depending on your perspective. But there’s no question that Messi’s presence would add significant value to this otherwise underwhelming event.
