Inter Miami of Lionel Messi will play Club World Cup 2025 because it won the MLS Supporters’ Shield 2024. However, this classification generated some criticism for the way in which the team led by Gerardo Martino entered the tournament organized by FIFA.
Read also: Messi’s forceful words after Inter Miami’s qualification for the Club World Cup
One of the strongest criticisms was made by Tim Spiers, a journalist for The New York Times. “Lionel Messi’s presence at the Club World Cup makes sense, but how he got there is ridiculous”. The chronicler highlighted that the Herons’ participation is more related to commercial interests than to sporting merit.
“Inter Miami has not proven that it is the best team in the United States, but in the MLS Eastern Conference. That is, only half of the championship. Yes, they were unbeaten in their six league games this season against Western Conference teams, but they only won three of them. “It’s like saying that Celtics have proven that they are the best team in the United Kingdom by winning the Scottish title,” Spiers said.
The New York Times’ criticism after Inter Miami’s qualification for the Club World Cup. (Photo: New York Times/Web)
The New York Times’ criticism of FIFA president Gianni Infantino
“The FIFA president said they are ‘one of the best clubs in the world.’ Really, Gianni (Infantino)? “It is possible that they have some legends within the squad, but if it cannot be guaranteed that they will beat, for example, Crystal Palace in a single tie tomorrow, they cannot have that nickname,” explained the journalist from The New York Times in another paragraph of a column that generated a lot of impact.
Gianni Infantino: “They deserve to be and will be in the Club World Cup”
The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantinowas present in Inter Miami’s victory against New England Revolution 6-2 and confirmed that the Herons will play in the tournament organized by FIFA. “Due to this amazing performance this year, they deserve to be and will be in the 2025 Club World Cup.”he said in the middle of the playing field and in front of the fans.
The FIFA president also explained that Inter Miami will play the opening match of this new tournament at the Hard Rock Stadium in the city of Florida.
When will the 2025 Club World Cup be played?
The 2025 Club World Cup will be held in the United States, will have 32 teams and will begin on June 15. Inter Miami comes from conquering the Supporters’ Shield the best of the regular season and break a record: became the set with most points in MLS history.
