FIFA has announced that Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi currently plays, will be invited to participate in the 2025 Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13.
Lionel Messi could very well face his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, in this tournament. The newly expanded Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams, will include top clubs like PSG, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors, and River Plate.
Among these giants, Inter Miami has been granted a special spot. While not typically considered a top-tier team, Messi’s MLS club has been selected to represent the host nation due to its standout performances in the league.
The group stage draw will be held in December. This tournament marks a new chapter for the Club World Cup, transitioning from an annual competition to a quadrennial event. However, this change has sparked criticism given the already congested football calendar.
Inter Miami is scheduled to kick off the tournament on June 15 at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins. As the 31st confirmed team, Inter Miami’s inclusion comes through FIFA’s host nation invitation, while the other clubs qualified by winning their respective continental championships.