Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are have become the last club to qualify for the Club World Cup. This after a historic MLS win this week.
BREAKING: Inter Miami become last club invited to 2025 Club World Cup, FIFA President Infantino confirms
It has been confirmed that MLS club, Inter Miami, have sealed their qualification as the United States’ host-nation-invitee for the 2025 Club World Cup. FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, confirmed the news at Inter Miami's last 2024 MLS regular season home match.
Miami está listo para la nueva era del fútbol #FIFACWC | #TakeItToTheWorld | #FreedomToDream pic.twitter.com/2VxQMsvd96
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 20, 2024
Infantino also confirmed that Miami will play the tournament's inaugural match at HardRock Stadium.
️ - Gianni Infantino (FIFA President): "I have three things to tell you! The 1st, many congratulations for winning the Supporters Shield! The 2nd, you will be qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025! And 3rd, you will be opening and hosting the opening game at the Hard Rock… pic.twitter.com/DNeXd609bN
— (@TheEuropeanLad) October 20, 2024
Inter Miami’s confirmed participation in next year’s intercontinental club tournament comes just minutes after breaking the record of the most single-season points (74) in MLS history, taking home the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield following their 6-2 win against the New England Revolution. Lionel Messi scored a hat trick off the bench to seal their win.
FINAAAAAAALLLLL ✨ pic.twitter.com/JaZN6KDYiV
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 20, 2024
Prior to The Herons’ historic win on Saturday, fans speculated over the possibility of seeing Miami qualify to the tournaments first-ever edition after the official 12-venue announcement saw Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium in the list. Messi’s Miami, considering the venue-capacity of their very own 21,000-fan Chase Stadium, would have been placed to play in the NFL venue that holds over 65,000 fans.
Rumors of the Columbus Crew being in line to be selected as the last invitee also made their way around social media in the last few months, with the club being the current MLS Cup and Leagues Cup champions, as well as reaching the 2024 Concacaf Champions League final.
Miami will join Seattle Sounders (2022 Concacaf Champions League winners) as the only two MLS clubs set to participate in the summer tournament.