New Delhi: Inter Miami has been named as the latest addition to the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025. The club earned this prestigious spot after their latest triumph, winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield with a record-breaking 74 points. This award is given to the Major League Soccer team with the best regular-season record. The announcement came after Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick, helping Inter Miami shatter the MLS regular-season points record.
The match against New England began with Luis Suárez scoring two crucial goals just before halftime, equalizing the game. In the 58th minute, Benjamin Cremaschi broke the deadlock, giving Miami the lead. Messi, who came off the bench in the second half, wrapped up the match in spectacular fashion, scoring three goals in just 11 minutes.
🇦🇷💫 Lionel Messi (37) scored an 11-minute hat-trick for Inter Miami vs. New England! 😍
He surpasses Leonardo Campana’s record (32) to become Inter Miami’s all-time 𝐓𝐎𝐏 scorer with 33 goals 🐐🎩
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) October 20, 2024
After the final whistle, the Herons celebrated their victory with fans at Chase Stadium. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, joined by co-owner David Beckham and majority owner Jorge Mas, delivered a speech announcing Miami’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
“You have shown that in the United States, you are consistently the best club on the field,” Infantino said. “Therefore, I am proud to announce that as one of the top clubs in the world, you are deserving participants in the new FIFA Club World Cup 2025.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced that Inter Miami have qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup after winning the Supporters’ Shield.
They will also host the opening game at the Hard Rock Stadium 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/CdnPhz1Tp9
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 20, 2024
Other qualified teams:
The 32-team tournament is set to take place from 15 June to 3 July in the United States next year. The tournament will be made up of 12 teams from Europe, six from America, 12 from Asia, Africa, and North America. The remaining two spots will include one club from Oceania and another from the hosts United States.
Out of the 32 places, 31 have now been filled. The remaining one berth will be taken up by the winners of the 2024 Copa Libertadores winner. The qualified teams include:
Africa (CAF):
Al Ahly (Egypt)
Wydad AC (Morocco)
Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Asia (AFC):
Al Ain (UAE)
Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Ulsan HD (South Korea)
Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
Europe (UEFA):
Atlético Madrid (Spain)
Bayern Munich (Germany)
Benfica (Portugal)
Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
Chelsea (England)
Inter Milan (Italy)
Juventus (Italy)
Manchester City (England)
Paris Saint-Germain (France)
Porto (Portugal)
RB Salzburg (Austria)
Real Madrid (Spain)
Central America, North American and Caribbean (CONCACAF):
Club León (Mexico)
Inter Miami (US)
Monterrey (Mexico)
Pachuca (Mexico)
Seattle Sounders (US)
South America (CONMEBOL):
Boca Juniors (Argentina)
Flamengo (Brazil)
Fluminense (Brazil)
Palmeiras (Brazil)
River Plate (Argentina)
Oceania (OFC):
Auckland City (New Zealand)
What next for Miami?
Inter Miami will face off against the winner of the Eastern Conference wildcard match between CF Montreal and Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs next weekend. As the top seed, they will enjoy home-field advantage for the entire postseason including the best-of-three opening series.
