'FIFA’s Boy...': Lionel Messi And Inter Miami's SURPRISE ENTRY in FIFA Club World Cup Raise Eyebrows

The recent announcement by FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed Inter Miami's attendance in the next FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Given Inter Miami's past non-participation in the Club World Cup and allegedly Messi's presence might have driven FIFA to invite the squad for this event, this was not likely expected. With Inter Miami hosting the United States, the event—which consists of 32 teams from six football confederations—will start on June 15, 2025. Running until July 13, the contest will finish with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Notably, not yet secured are any significant U.S. sponsors or media rights agreements. There will be participation from several prominent clubs from around the world looking to make an impact in the FIFA Club World Cup. 

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Football world alleges that Lionel Messi’s presence propelled FIFA to invite Inter Miami to the Club World Cup

Particularly because Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have never before participated in the Club World Cup, fans have expressed worries over FIFA's choice to include them into Club World Cup because they have allegedly led to a rule change as the MLS Cup winners previously qualified for the tournament and Inter Miami is yet to win it. Many speculate that the choice may have been affected by FIFA President Gianni Infantino's attendance at Miami's most recent Supporters' Shield event, therefore casting doubt on impartiality in the choosing process owing to the presence of Argentina's Lionel Messi. Let's take a look at some of the reactions from the football world: 

As announced on Saturday, October 19, Inter Miami and Lionel Messi earned a place in the FIFA Club World Cup next year. Starting the competition, which features the top 32 teams worldwide, the club will After acquiring the likes of Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Lionel Messi, the Florida-based squad has seen an amazing change since Messi arrived in the summer of 2023. The great players helped the Herons win their first trophy, the Leagues Cup (Note: Luis Suarez was recruited after the Leagues Cup).

Inter Miami has expanded on that accomplishment this year, owing in great part to the efforts of his teammates towards the Supporters' Shield. With a record 74 points during the campaign, the club dominated the Eastern Conference.

Once again, the success of the team depends much on Messi's efforts. With only 22 appearances this season and 22 goals and 12 assists, the 37-year-old is Inter Miami's top scorer with a total of 33 goals in 36 games. 

The club is getting ready for the FIFA Club World Cup, due to take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, all throughout the United States, as they focus on the MLS Cup playoffs set for later this month. Even though the MLS Cup winner usually receives the Club World Cup place, FIFA decided to invite Inter Miami following their thrilling 6-2 triumph against the New England Revolution at Chase Stadium, which many allege happened after Lionel Messi arrived in Inter Miami.