As the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield winner, Inter Miami earned a place in the 2025 Club World Cup as a host country representative. That, in turn, means Messi will be taking part in a FIFA tournament this summer, albeit one where he isn't representing Argentina.

The latest news on Lionel Messi’s involvement in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opener between Inter Miami and Al Ahly.

“As one of the best clubs in the world, you are deserved participants in the new FIFA Club World Cup 2025,” Infantino announced. Fifa later explained in a statement that Inter Miami won the place “on the basis of the club’s outstanding and consistent 34-match campaign.”