FIFA's Decision to Include Inter Miami in 2025 Club World Cup Sparks Controversy

Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, secures a surprise spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup by winning the MLS Supporters' Shield, raising questions about the qualification criteria.

FIFA announced Inter Miami's qualification for the 2025 Club World Cup, despite the team not yet winning the MLS Cup, by awarding them a spot as the host nation's representative.
The decision was based on Inter Miami winning the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield, which recognizes the best team in the regular season, rather than the MLS Cup winner.
This move has been met with criticism from fans and observers who question FIFA's lack of clear qualification criteria and perceive it as a commercially motivated decision.
FIFA's choice to grant the host nation an automatic spot is seen as a strategy to boost local interest and visibility for the Club World Cup, especially with Messi's involvement.
The controversy highlights the tension between FIFA's global tournament rules and the unique structure of American soccer, prompting discussions on potential changes to the league system.