Lionel Messi and David Beckham were accused of benefiting from FIFA favouritism following a controvervial decision ahead of the Club World Cup
Lionel Messi and David Beckham
Lionel Messi and David Beckham's club were controversially handed a place in the Club World Cup
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Lionel Messi and David Beckham faced accusations of receiving preferential treatment from FIFA after Inter Miami secured a place in the inaugural Club World Cup.
The sport's world governing body came under fire for awarding the host nation berth to Inter Miami – and consequently, Messi – despite the team not having clinched the Major League Soccer title. Remarks from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, apparently encouraging participating teams to recruit another footballing legend in Cristiano Ronaldo, only heightened suspicions among critics.
Miami were also granted the privilege of staging the tournament's curtain-raiser at their Hard Rock Stadium. Speaking on the pitch at an MLS fixture prior to the competition, Infantino declared: "Miami loves football, the world loves football and the world loves Miami. So I have three things to tell you.
"The first: many congratulations for winning the Supporters' Shield [the regular season league before the play-offs]. And on top, with the record of points in Major League Soccer.
"Congratulations, you are the best team of the season in America. Second, based on this outstanding performance this year, you deserve to be, and you will be, for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Lionel Messi and David Beckham
Many MLS fans believe Messi and Beckham benefited from favouritism
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"And third, as the host team of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, you will have the honour of opening the tournament by hosting the opening game here in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium in front of 65,000 people and tens of millions at home."
Many MLS fans were not impressed, believing that Miami was favoured due to having the world's best player and one of football's most recognisable faces, Beckham, as a co-owner. One disgruntled fan summed up the frustration of many, posting on X: "The criteria was always the same. Whichever team had Lionel Messi was gonna qualify."
Another concurred, posting: "Even if Miami had the worst season of their history, they would have still gotten the spot. The fact that there was no criteria to get the spot means that FIFA and the MLS intended to ask Miami to fill in the final spot, they just needed a good excuse."
Inter Miami at the Club World Cup
Inter Miami surprisingly made it out of their group at the Club World Cup
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Despite the controversy, Miami arguably proved their worth in the tournament, progressing from their group with one victory and two draws before being trounced 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
Miami supporters can anticipate more mesmerising performances from Messi after the Argentine legend signed a new long-term contract with the club. It ensures the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will be part of the team when they relocate to their new Freedom Park stadium in 2026.
Messi expressed his delight, saying: "It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality - playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park. Since I arrived in Miami, I've been very happy, so I'm truly glad to keep going here."
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