As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup draws closer, one burning question remains: will Lionel Messi feature in the expanded tournament next summer?
Set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, the revamped version of the Club World Cup has generated excitement not only due to its new format but also because of the star power it promises to showcase. With 32 teams from across the globe, including top European clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Chelsea, the competition is expected to be a spectacle.
Inter Miami’s Role and Messi’s Participation
One of the most anticipated teams in the 2025 edition is Inter Miami, the MLS club where Messi currently plays. Due to their status as the host team, Inter Miami has automatically qualified for the tournament, even though they did not earn a spot through domestic or continental success. This means Messi, along with his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez, will be competing in Group A of the tournament.
Messi’s involvement in the Club World Cup would be a massive draw for both fans and FIFA, as the 37-year-old icon is nearing the end of his illustrious career. His name alone can pull crowds and capture the attention of football fans worldwide, making him a prime figurehead for the competition.
Messi’s Glorious Club World Cup History
Messi’s record in the FIFA Club World Cup is impressive. Having won the tournament three times with Barcelona in 2009, 2011, and 2015, Messi has etched his name in the competition’s history. He scored five goals in the five matches he played, with standout performances in the finals: a memorable extra-time winner against Estudiantes de La Plata in 2009, a brace in the dominant 4-0 win over Santos in 2011, and another goal in the 3-0 victory over River Plate in 2015.
Though Messi missed the 2006 edition due to injury, his three titles with Barcelona helped solidify his reputation as one of the competition’s most influential players.
The New 2025 Format
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will differ significantly from its previous versions. The tournament has been expanded from seven to 32 teams, with a group stage followed by knockout rounds. The competition will feature clubs from all six FIFA confederations, including teams from Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The top two teams from each of the eight groups will progress to the knockout rounds.
As the host nation, the United States will see 12 different venues used for the tournament, and it is expected to attract millions of spectators both in the stadiums and across the globe via broadcast. The new format will see teams play a minimum of three matches, with some reaching up to seven depending on their progress.
Could Messi Miss Out?
While Inter Miami has earned a place in the tournament as the host club, it remains to be seen whether Messi will be fully fit and ready to participate. As he enters the twilight of his career, there could be concerns over injuries or a potential decision to step away from international club competition in 2025.
However, Messi’s status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, combined with the allure of a final opportunity to shine on the global stage, makes his participation highly likely. If Messi does take to the field in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, it would mark a fitting chapter in his storied career—one last chance to capture a fourth world title in the competition, this time with the ambitious Inter Miami side.
With the tournament fast approaching, all eyes will be on Messi and his team, as the football world eagerly anticipates the arrival of the 2025 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup.
