Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will compete in next year’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Saturday.
Messi and his teammates will kick off the tournament at Hard Rock Stadium, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, on Sunday, June 15, Infantino revealed. The announcement was made on the field at Inter’s Chase Stadium moments after Messi scored a hat-trick in a 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution, setting a new MLS regular-season points record.
Inter Miami, who recently secured Major League Soccer’s Supporters’ Shield for the best regular-season record, will take the qualification spot for the host nation. FIFA’s statement highlighted the team’s impressive 34-match campaign, which saw them secure the shield with two games remaining.
Although the official MLS champions will be determined by the MLS Cup playoffs, which begin next week and end with the final on December 7, FIFA’s decision ensures Messi’s participation in the tournament. This boosts the profile of the expanded event, which FIFA hopes will attract global audiences and American fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The 32-team tournament will feature champions from each of FIFA’s continental confederations, including top European clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, as well as South American powerhouses River Plate, Boca Juniors, and Flamengo.
Messi’s participation could see him face top European clubs for the first time since leaving Paris Saint Germain for Miami. However, the tournament has faced opposition from players’ unions and league bodies, who argue it adds to an already crowded schedule, increasing player workload.
The previous version of the Club World Cup featured seven teams and was won by Manchester City, who defeated Brazil’s Fluminense in Saudi Arabia. FIFA plans to hold the expanded tournament every four years, though no host has been announced for the 2029 edition.
