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Inter Miami and Lionel Messi set to take part in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup hosted in the U.S.A., per report

Because the tournament is in the U.S. they received an extra slot as hosts, it looks like Miami will be the beneficiaries

by · CBS Sports

The MLS host team for the Club World Cup is reportedly set. Fresh off of winning the Supporters' Shield, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have been chosen as MLS' representative according to ESPN, alongside the Seattle Sounders who qualified due to winning the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2022. 

The 2025 newly expanded edition of the tournament will take place in the United States with 32 teams from around the world competing for the title. Concacaf has four slots for the tournament and they're handed to winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup for the last four seasons. Miami will qualify via the hosts spot instead of the reigning MLS champions and Concacaf Champions Cup runners up, the Columbus Crew. This will provide Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba with another chance to face off against Real Madrid along with some of the worlds best clubs.

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According to rule, the final participant was chosen by FIFA and not Major League Soccer, but the league could provide suggestions. With Miami's Hard Rock Stadium as one of the venues for the tournament, Messi will likely get to play a match in Inter Miami's back yard as well.

The tournament will take place from June 15 to July 13 2025 and the other venues are MetLife Stadium, Audi Field, Lincoln Financial Field, Camping World Stadium, Geodis Park, TQL Stadium, Lumen Field, Rose Bowl Stadium, Mercedes Benz Stadium, Bank of America Stadium and Inter& Co Stadium.

12 UEFA clubs will take part alongside six CONMEBOL teams, Four AFC, Concacaf, and CAF teams and one OFC side.