Inter Miami faces mounting challenges as Lionel Messi's future hangs in the balance. Disappointment in the MLS playoffs raises questions about the club's direction and their controversial entry into the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Inter Miami's path through the MLS playoffs has been plagued by setbacks and controversy, leading to scrutiny over the club’s participation in next year’s FIFA Club World Cup. This comes on the heels of an unforeseen loss to Atlanta United, which has sparked speculation regarding Lionel Messi’s future with the team. Although Beckham’s ownership and Messi’s immense popularity have brought Inter Miami into the international spotlight, concerns about the club’s direction and the possibility of Messi's departure have grown.
Inter Miami secured their spot in the 2025 Club World Cup by winning the Supporters' Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record in Major League Soccer. Nevertheless, this decision sparked controversy, as the MLS championship is usually determined through a playoff format that culminates in the MLS Cup in December.
This decision ignited anger among opposing fans, who claim that there were no definitive guidelines for qualifying for the Club World Cup, resulting in claims of bias. Consequently, some observers perceive Inter Miami's participation in the tournament as a politically motivated choice, swayed by the club's high-profile ownership, which features former Manchester United star David Beckham, along with the presence of Messi, recognized as the most decorated player in the world.
Even with their place secured in the Club World Cup, Inter Miami's performance in domestic competitions has declined. Manager Tata Martino has acknowledged that Messi's time in the United States could be coming to a close. In a frank post-match interview after the defeat to Atlanta United, Martino expressed uncertainty about how much longer Messi would stay in MLS. "There is a question of time passing, but I wouldn’t dare to say that it is so short," he remarked. His comments suggested that while Messi's stay in Miami may be nearing its end, the club’s future is still connected to their ongoing development, with Martino highlighting the improvements made compared to the previous year.
Inter Miami entered the MLS playoffs as holders of the Supporters' Shield but could not make a notable impact during the post-season. In their initial home game, supported by Messi's former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, they managed a slim 2-1 victory. However, their playoff fortunes shifted in Atlanta, where a last-minute goal from Xande Silva led to a disappointing defeat. In the pivotal home match, Messi and Matias Rojas attempted to stage a comeback after Jamal Thiare scored twice, but Poland's Bartosz Slisz extinguished their hopes with a crucial third goal.
After scoring 20 goals during the regular season alongside his teammate Luis Suarez, Messi now finds himself in a situation filled with uncertainty regarding his future. In September, speculation emerged that he could make a return to his childhood club, Newell's Old Boys, once his MLS contract concludes in 2025. Should this be the case, this season might represent Messi's last chance to win the MLS Cup before heading back to Argentina.
In the current MLS playoff landscape, Atlanta United is set to face Orlando City, who earned their place following a thrilling penalty shootout victory against Charlotte. Meanwhile, the New York derby featuring NYCFC and the Red Bulls promises to deliver excitement. In the Western Conference, there are major matchups including Los Angeles FC taking on Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy welcoming Minnesota United. LAFC stands out as the only team in the West to extend their series to a critical third match, thanks to Mateusz Bogusz's decisive goal against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Amid a difficult season, Inter Miami's path forward is unclear, as conversations persist about Messi's future with the team and their position within both MLS and the global arena.
