FIFA Chooses Messi’s Inter Miami for 2025 Club World Cup, Making History in U.S

In a groundbreaking announcement, FIFA has selected Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, set to be held in the United States next summer. The news was delivered by FIFA president Gianni Infantino during a post-game celebration following Inter Miami’s dominant 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution, securing the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the best regular-season record.

Inter Miami will now take one of the two remaining spots in the 32-team tournament, competing alongside global soccer powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain. The tournament will follow a World Cup-style format, with Inter Miami playing the opening match on June 15, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The final will be held on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the same venue set to host the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

During the celebratory announcement, Infantino praised Inter Miami’s exceptional season, stating, “First, you were the best team of the season in America. Second, based on this outstanding performance, you deserve to be in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. And third, as the host team, you have the honor of playing the opening game in Miami at Hard Rock Stadium.”

The selection of Inter Miami is historic, marking the first time an MLS club has been chosen to host the prestigious tournament. FIFA’s decision is seen as largely driven by Messi’s presence, making the Argentine legend the biggest star of the tournament. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will be competing alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Erling Haaland, but Messi’s star power will undoubtedly take center stage.

While Inter Miami’s host bid for the tournament was not directly determined by Major League Soccer (MLS), Messi’s influence, coupled with the club’s MLS Supporters’ Shield victory, likely played a crucial role in FIFA’s decision. The tournament’s final host slot allocation details are expected to be clarified in the coming months, but Messi’s team has already secured its place among the world’s elite clubs.

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“We all know how Miami is in love with football, and how Inter Miami is supported from across Florida and beyond for your exciting brand of football,” said Infantino. “Congratulations on your wonderful 2024 Supporters’ Shield success. You have shown that in the United States, you are consistently the best club on the field of play.”

Inter Miami now joins an exclusive group of North American clubs in the FIFA Club World Cup, becoming the second MLS team to do so. The Miami club will face off against former champions from the Concacaf Champions Cup, including Monterrey (Mexico), Seattle Sounders (USA), Club Leon (Mexico), and Pachuca (Mexico).

As the world eagerly awaits the return of Lionel Messi to the global stage, the 2025 Club World Cup promises to be a landmark event for American soccer, with Messi’s presence elevating the tournament’s profile. All eyes will be on Inter Miami as they embark on this historic journey next summer.