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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_d6e1e5da-7d9a-43d5-97e1-f4350a3cd7e3"}}</script><ul><li>Expanded event heading to the United States</li><li>Herons may be asked to join the party</li><li>Argentine has won trophy on three occasions</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n" rel="sponsored"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Lionel Messi could make Club World Cup return with Inter Miami in line for FIFA invite amid MLS Cup pursuit

<p>An <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/united-states-32-team-club-world-cup-2025-chelsea-real-madrid-man-city-fifa-confirms/blt7beb93c19c4740d0" target="_blank">expanded version of the FIFA-hosted tournament will be heading to the United States</a> next summer. Some 32 teams will now be taking part in the competition, which is set to be held on a quadrennial basis rather than an annual one.</p><div class="affiliate-button-container theme-1" data-name="Apple TV"><div class="affiliate-button"><img class="logo" height="40" width="72" src="https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2de198b67da95a2e/65709d2436cf7d0407034ef9/Apple_TV.png" style="width: 72px; height: 40px;"><span class="affiliate-text">Get the MLS Season Pass today!</span></div><a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=goal_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l39UY" class="affiliate-button-link" target="_blank">Stream games now</a></div>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/club-world-cup-2025-how-qualification-works-list-qualified-teams/bltac42bd2227f80540" target="_blank">Seattle Sounders, as winners of the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League, will be providing MLS representation</a> on U.S. soil. The United States will also be allowed to send another team on an invitation basis – with it suggested that Inter Miami may get that nod.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The Herons are an obvious choice as they have eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi on their books, and are <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/goat-mindset-lionel-messi-never-bothered-attitude-great-argentine-superstar-inter-miami-supporters-shield-mls-cup/blta1e754191ebc3e7f" target="_blank">in the hunt for MLS Cup glory in 2024</a>. Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has said of accepting an invite if one were to be sent to Florida: “Obviously we would like to. Who wouldn't like to participate in a Club World Cup? We have the objectives for this year, what lies ahead, but the other part and the way of qualifying will be determined by those who have to decide.”</p>

WHAT MARTINO SAID

<p>Messi has graced the Club World Cup on several occasions in the past, but not since capturing that particular crown in 2015. He <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/how-many-trophies-has-lionel-messi-won-in-his-career/blt7a5ca0e823bc41f9" target="_blank">claimed said title on three occasions while on the books at Barcelona</a> – with global glory complementing three of his four Champions League triumphs during a record-setting spell at Camp Nou.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Lionel Messi could make shock Club World Cup return with Inter Miami in line for FIFA invite amid MLS Cup pursuit | Goal.com US

Lionel Messi could be in line for a shock return to the Club World Cup, with Inter Miami open to gracing that event in 2025.