Lionel Messi fans will be delighted to know that the football legend could be preparing for an unexpected return to the Club World Cup with Inter Miami, as rumours circulate that the MLS side could receive a special invitation to the 2025 tournament.
With FIFA expanding the Club World Cup to 32 teams, which is set to take place in the United States in 2025, there are rumours that Inter Miami could be awarded one of the coveted spots.
The tournament will bring together the best clubs from around the world, and Messi’s presence would make Miami an obvious choice for fans.
How Lionel Messi and Inter Miami can play in the Club World Cup
Inter Miami coach Tata Martino was open to the idea when asked if the team could be invited. “Of course we would like to participate in a Club World Cup,” he said.
The expanded format will include powerhouses like Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City, but what has fans talking is the idea of Messi – already a three-time Club World Cup winner with Barcelona – potentially lifting the trophy again, this time with Inter Miami.
Inter Miami, still in the running for the MLS Cup victory, has been a team to watch since Messi’s arrival. While nothing is confirmed yet, if Miami gets the nod, it would not only be a dream come true for Messi fans but also a chance for the GOAT to add a new chapter to his legendary career.
For now, fans will have to wait and see if the invitation makes it all the way to Florida. If so, 2025 could well become another year of Messi magic!
Who will play at the 2025 Club World Cup?
| Confederation | Number of teams | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| AFC | 4 | Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, 2023-24 AFC Champions League winners, Ulsan HD |
| CAF | 4 | Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, winners of the 2023-24 CAF Champions League, to be confirmed |
| CONCACAF | 4 | Monterrey, Seattle Sounders, Leon, winners of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions League |
| CONMEBOL | 6 | Palmeiras, Fluminense, Flamengo, winners of the Copa Libertadores 2024, to be confirmed, to be confirmed |
| CFO | 1 | City of Auckland |
| UEFA | 12 | Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter, Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Atlético Madrid, Red Bull Salzburg |
| CONCACAF (host) | 1 | To be determined |
