Lionel Messi could face Real Madrid one last time as FIFA announce Inter Miami for Club World Cup

Lionel Messi could face Real Madrid one last time after FIFA announced that his Inter Miami team will compete in the 2025 Club World Cup on US soil.

FIFA president confirmed on Saturday that the , who boast four legends in , Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, will compete in the tournament after following their record-breaking night against the New England Revolution, where they lifted the Supporters' Shield for having the best regular season record.

Infantino made the announcement on the field at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale following the 6-2 win, which saw three-time winner Messi come off the substitutes bench and score a 33-minute hat-trick - his second in his last two games for club and country.

"We all know how Miami is in love with football and how Inter Miami is supported from across Florida and beyond for your exciting brand of football," said Infantino. "Congratulations on your wonderful 2024 Supporters' Shield success. You have shown that in the United States, you are consistently the best club on the field of play.

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"Therefore, I am proud to announce that as one of the best clubs in the , you are deserved participants in the new FIFA Club World Cup 2025 as the host club representing the United States."

Infantino also announced that Inter Miami will host the inaugural match, scheduled for July 15, 2025, inside the Miami Dolphins' Hard Rock Stadium. "We are looking forward to you hosting the opening match," he added.

"It's sure to be a great celebration for global club football as the tournament features the best 32 clubs in the world and provides a new opportunity for clubs, players, coaches and fans alike to take their stories to the world."

Next year's competition will be the first since being expanded to 32 teams. FIFA awarded 12 spots to Europe, six to South America, four each to North America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and one to Oceania. Reigning winners have already been announced as one of the 32 teams.

Messi could face his longtime rivals from his Barcelona days potentially for the last time in a competitive setting. In 47 games against Los Blancos, Messi scored 26 goals and provided 14 assists, and he was on the losing side just 16 times.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup-winning Argentine last played Real in the Champions League for Paris Saint-Germain in 2022. However, he was unable to help the Parisians past the outfit as they searched for a club-first Champions League.