Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Awarded Club World Cup Spot for One Reason | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain may soon find themselves facing Lionel Messi again, despite his departure from the club last year. Many believed his move to the United States marked the end of that chapter in his career, but things may take an unexpected turn.

Last month, Inter Miami defeated the Columbus Crew to secure their first-ever MLS Supporters’ Shield. This trophy, awarded to the team with the most points in the regular season, is a significant achievement, but the story goes beyond that.

Inter Miami clinching the most points in the 2024 MLS season allowed them to take the host spot for the FIFA Club World Cup. Nonetheless, it’s a merit that wasn’t earned considering that the league has a playoff format to determine their champion.

Columnist calls out FIFA for Lionel Messi, Inter Miami inclusion

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MLS uses a playoff system, and the South Florida club’s crashing out to Atlanta United in a best-of-three series meant that Inter Miami wouldn’t be the league champions in 2024.

As a result, The Mirror’s Andy Dunn writes that Messi and his team have no business in the competition but notes the sole reason why the Argentine is in this tournament.

“Lionel Messi plays for Inter Miami and [FIFA president Gianni Infantino] wants Messi at the ludicrous tournament,” Dunn wrote. “He wants Messi so he can try and get big bucks for a TV deal, he wants Messi to try and sell tickets, he wants Messi to satisfy commercial partners.

“And he wants Messi because he likes being associated with famous footballers and famous people. If Inter Miami’s and Messi’s inclusion in the Club World Cup does one thing, it is to remind everyone that the tournament is simply one huge Infantino vanity project.”