'To have Messi': Inter Miami official shares if he wants to compete in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Inter Miami’s President of Operations Xavier Asensi has detailed if the Herons are looking to compete in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

The revamped club competition kicks off next summer with the annual FIFA event now transforming into a once-every-four-year tournament akin to the international World Cup, with club teams taking part based on continental success.

With the United States hosting the first edition of the new tournament, one MLS team will be nominated to take part having not qualified through the usual means set up by FIFA, with many believing that Inter Miami will take the spot due to their immense global brand.

And Asensi has now shared if thinks Inter Miami competing in the Club World Cup will be a good thing.

Inter Miami ready to take part in next year’s Club World Cup

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the former FC Barcelona official revealed Inter Miami’s intention of competing in the Club World Cup, with the Herons likely to be nominated for the vacant regional spot, joining the Seattle Sounders as one of two American teams taking part in the tournament.

With Inter Miami leading the Supporters’ Shield standings and already early favorites to reclaim their Leagues Cup title, the Florida franchise could be a worthy nominee for this free spot, especially with so many superstars in the squad.

Asensi said when asked if Inter Miami can compete in the World Cup: “It would be very important in terms of our goals. The fact of competing would be interesting, and for football in the USA, having Leo representing a team would also be beneficial, it would raise the level of demand.

“But the question for them [MLS] is what it would mean to have Messi in the World Cup. The best of all time is always welcome and I suppose for MLS too, but it is a question for them.”

Inter Miami should be nominated by FIFA and MLS to compete

It might be a decision that causes some outrage amongst MLS supporters, but based on form this year, it’s hard to look past Inter Miami as the best candidate to take part in the Club World Cup.

The Herons have been the best team in MLS this season with Tata Martino’s roster one that wouldn’t look out of place in a top European league, with Messi, of course, the crown jewel.

And given the huge commercial opportunities the new Club World Cup will bring, having the inaugural competition without Messi would feel unusual given just how big the Inter Miami star is.