Journalist highlights key reason why Lionel Messi led Inter Miami were added to FIFA Club World Cup
The Mirror journalist Andy Dunn has criticized FIFA for including Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The Argentine star and his Miami-based club failed to win the MLS playoffs but were still invited to the tournament held by the football organizing body.
Messi has previously won the competition three times, in 2010, 2012, and 2016 with Barcelona, and is set to return to the tournament for the first time in eight years under its expanded format.
However, Dunn made his displeasure known, writing in his column for Mirror:
“Lionel Messi plays for Inter Miami and [FIFA president Gianni Infantino] wants Messi at the ludicrous tournament, 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.”
Messi and the Herons were impressive in the recently concluded MLS campaign. They scored the most points ever in the league stage of the competition to claim the Supporters' Shield. The World Cup winner scored 23 goals and 13 assists in 25 games for the American club in the 2024 season.
What FIFA President Gianni Infantino said about Lionel Messi and Inter Miami's FIFA Club World Cup participation
FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed Lionel Messi and his inter-Miami teammates after they claimed the Supporters' Shield in October and invited the side to the FIFA Club World Cup.
The Florida-based side were irresistible throughout the MLS campaign and finished as the unrivalled best team over the league stage of the competition. Speaking on the field after the team was handed the Supporters' Shield, Infantino said (via ESPN):
"We all know how Miami is in love with football and how Inter Miami is supported from across Florida and beyond for your exciting brand of football, Congratulations on your wonderful 2024 Supporters' Shield success. You have shown that in the United States, you are consistently the best club on the field of play. Therefore, I am proud to announce that as one of the best clubs in the world, you are deserved participants in the new FIFA Club World Cup 2025 as the host club representing the United States."
The FIFA president went on to announce that Lionel Messi and his teammates will play the opening game of the tournament, saying:
"We are looking forward to you hosting the opening match, It's sure to be a great celebration for global club football as the tournament features the best 32 clubs in the world and provides a new opportunity for clubs, players, coaches and fans alike to take their stories to the world."
Lionel Messi has played five games at the FIFA Club World Cup in his illustrious career, scoring five goals and providing one assist.