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Messi's Inter Miami secure a place at the 2025 Club World Cup on ‘sporting merit’.

Inter Miami coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has come out to clarify the reasons for his side's participation in the 2025 Club World Cup. Confident and forthright, the Argentine coach assured the media that the team's inclusion in the elite tournament is due to ‘sporting merit’ and not simply an invitation.

‘We have the peace of mind of knowing that our passage to the Club World Cup responds to sporting achievements, not to anything else,’ said Martino. His team has made a mark in the regular season, winning the Supporters' Shield with a record 74 points, crowning them as the best side in the league ahead of the playoffs. In addition, Inter Miami has impressed with the remarkable performance of Lionel Messi, who has 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 games since his arrival.

While Inter Miami's participation generated some criticism, Martino acknowledged that there was room for debate as to whether it should have been awarded to the league-winning team. However, he stressed that FIFA's choice is a milestone for an institution that is only a few years old and has shown it is ready to compete at the elite level.

For his part, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the participation of the Florida team in the world tournament, taking the place reserved for the host country. This makes Inter Miami the US team that will represent Major League Soccer (MLS) at the tournament, which will be held in the summer of 2025.

A revamped Club World Cup and the chance to take on the giants

The next Club World Cup, scheduled to be played from 15 June to 13 July 2025, will be the first to be played under a new format, expanded to 32 teams and with 63 matches spread across 12 cities. This edition is historic, as it will include representatives from all confederations and promises to pit elite clubs from all five continents against each other. And against this backdrop, Messi and Suarez's Inter Miami will be pitted against some of the strongest teams in world football.

Jordi Alba, also a former FC Barcelona player and Messi's team-mate at Inter, was excited about the opportunity to take part in the tournament. For him, the occasion is unique and especially important for the team's players who have not had the experience of facing top-level clubs in international competitions. ‘Those of us who have played in Europe know the atmosphere, but for many of our team-mates it will be new and motivating. It's going to be difficult, but also an important challenge,’ commented Alba.

The arrival of Messi and Suarez at Inter Miami has given the team a notable advantage in MLS. The South American duo, formed by these old La Liga acquaintances, have contributed 40 goals on the season, positioning the club as one of the most effective in the competition. This exceptional performance is part of what, according to Martino, has given Inter the opportunity to reach the Club World Cup. FIFA, aware of the quality and visibility that both players bring, saw Inter Miami as an important player for the event.

Before the club can turn its full attention to the global challenge of the Club World Cup, Inter Miami prepares for its MLS playoff match against Atlanta United. Martino and his players are clear that the commitment to the US league remains a priority, and they hope to lift the trophy in the final stretch of the season.

With the ticket confirmed, Inter Miami not only represents MLS, but a project that has bet heavily on international stars, something that will undoubtedly be something to talk about at the next Club World Cup. How far will Inter go in the tournament? We will see the answer in the stadiums of 2025.