Messi and Inter Miami Secured Spot in 2025 Club World Cup
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have been awarded a spot in the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place from June 15 to July 13 across the United States. Miami will host the opening match of the 32-team tournament, which features elite clubs from around the globe. The announcement follows Inter Miami’s recent triumph in winning their first MLS Supporters’ Shield, recognizing them as the club with the most points in the regular season.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his congratulations, stating, “You have shown that in the United States, you are consistently the best club on the field of play. Therefore, I am proud to announce that as one of the best clubs in the world, you are deserved participants in the new FIFA Club World Cup 2025.”
While it was expected that a U.S. club would host, FIFA opted to award the spot to the Supporters’ Shield winner instead of the MLS Cup champion, emphasizing the importance of consistent performance over a 34-game season. Miami earned this honor after setting a new MLS regular-season points record with a 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution, finishing with 74 points, surpassing New England’s previous record of 73 points established in 2021.
Messi’s impact at Miami has been significant since his midseason arrival last year, leading the team to a Leagues Cup title. Though they missed the playoffs in his first season, Miami rebounded strongly in Messi’s first full MLS season, clinching the Supporters’ Shield and the top playoff seed.
Despite missing nearly half of the 2024 season due to injuries and international duties, Messi made his time on the pitch count, scoring 20 goals in 19 games, including a hat trick in a recent match.
The final spot in the Club World Cup will be awarded to the winner of the Nov. 30 CONMEBOL Libertadores final in Buenos Aires. The Seattle Sounders are the only other MLS team participating, having qualified by winning the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final against Pumas.
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