The Messi Effect: Inter Miami’s Controversial Club World Cup Selection Over LA Galaxy
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to debut a new and expanded format featuring 32 teams from around the globe. Out of these, 31 teams have secured their spots through merit, earning recognition as champions or top-performing clubs in their respective leagues. However, one exception exists, Inter Miami, which has been granted direct entry into the tournament. Scheduled to take place from June 14th to July 13th in the United States, this event will highlight elite teams from six continental confederations: AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC, and UEFA. The diverse lineup is poised to showcase the very best in global club football.
While Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, has been invited to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, they are not the reigning MLS Cup Champions. That honor belongs to LA Galaxy, who recently claimed the title by defeating the New York Red Bulls. As six-time MLS Cup winners and one of the league’s most storied franchises, LA Galaxy has consistently excelled in American soccer. Their triumph in the league’s most prestigious competition has led many fans and analysts to argue that they were the more deserving candidate for the 2025 Club World Cup.
In contrast, Inter Miami’s 2024 MLS season ended in disappointment, with the team eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Atlanta United. However, their exceptional regular season performance provided a compelling case for their inclusion. Inter Miami secured the MLS Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the club with the best record in the regular season, after earning a record-breaking 74 points in their 34-match season. FIFA’s decision to select Inter Miami over LA Galaxy has sparked considerable debate, with some seeing it as a prioritization of star power and commercial appeal over on-field achievements.
One of the standout reasons for FIFA’s selection of Inter Miami over LA Galaxy is the influence of Lionel Messi. His presence has not only elevated Inter Miami’s reputation but also transformed the MLS into a global talking point. Since Messi's arrival, MLS has experienced a significant increase in attendance, now ranking second globally among soccer leagues. In the 2024 season, MLS attracted over 12.1 million fans, surpassing leagues such as Germany's Bundesliga, Italy's Serie A, and Spain's La Liga, and trailing only the English Premier League. FIFA is leveraging Messi’s fame to draw record-breaking viewership and attract significant sponsorship and broadcasting agreements. Alongside Messi, the club boasts other international stars like Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez, adding further appeal.
Inter Miami’s inclusion in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup shows how much influence one player like Lionel Messi can have on the game. While some may debate whether they deserved the spot, there is no denying that Messi and his team will bring excitement and global attention to the tournament. Messi is no stranger to playing on some of the biggest stages and delivering unforgettable moments. Fans around the world are eager to see how the team performs against some of the best clubs in the world.
