Inter Miami faces mounting controversy and uncertainty following a disappointing playoff exit, as Lionel Messi’s potential departure looms, drawing attention to the club's future and their unexpected spot in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Inter Miami's experience in the MLS playoffs has been overshadowed by setbacks and controversy, particularly regarding the club’s participation in next year’s FIFA Club World Cup. This situation follows an unexpected loss to Atlanta United, which has ignited concerns about Lionel Messi’s future with the team. Although the ownership of Beckham and Messi’s superstar status have brought Inter Miami into the global limelight, increasing doubts about the club’s direction and the possibility of Messi’s exit have emerged.
Inter Miami secured a spot in the 2025 Club World Cup by clinching the Supporters' Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record in Major League Soccer. Nonetheless, this decision sparked controversy, as the MLS championship is usually determined through the playoffs, culminating in the MLS Cup held in December.
The decision has caused anger among rival supporters, who claim that there were no clear guidelines for qualification into the Club World Cup, resulting in allegations of bias. Consequently, Inter Miami's participation in the tournament has been perceived by some as a politically motivated choice, influenced by the club’s prominent ownership, which features former Manchester United star David Beckham, along with the presence of Messi, the most decorated player in the world.
Although Inter Miami has secured a place in the Club World Cup, their performance in domestic competitions has declined, and manager Tata Martino has suggested that Messi's time in the United States may be coming to a close. In an honest post-match interview after their defeat to Atlanta United, Martino expressed his uncertainty regarding the duration of Messi's stay in MLS. “There is a question of time passing, but I would not dare to say that it is so short,” he remarked. His comments implied that while Messi's era in Miami might be drawing to an end, the club's future is still dependent on its ongoing growth, with Martino highlighting the improvements made since last year.
Inter Miami entered the MLS playoffs as the holders of the Supporters' Shield but were unable to make a notable impact during the post-season. In their first home match, supported by Messi's former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, they managed a narrow 2-1 victory. However, their playoff journey took a downturn in Atlanta, where a last-minute goal from Xande Silva led to a disappointing defeat. In the vital home leg, Messi and Matias Rojas attempted to rally after Jamal Thiare's brace, but Bartosz Slisz from Poland extinguished their hopes with a critical third goal.
Having scored 20 goals during the regular season alongside teammate Luis Suarez, Messi now finds himself facing increasing speculation regarding his future. In September, rumors began to circulate that Messi could make a return to his childhood club, Newell's Old Boys, once his MLS contract concludes in 2025. If these rumors are accurate, this season could potentially be Messi’s last chance to claim the MLS Cup before heading back to Argentina.
In the current MLS playoff scenario, Atlanta United is set to face Orlando City, who clinched their place following a thrilling penalty shootout victory against Charlotte. Meanwhile, the New York derby featuring NYCFC and the Red Bulls is anticipated to be an exciting matchup. In the Western Conference, a significant battle is on the horizon between Los Angeles FC and the Seattle Sounders, as well as LA Galaxy going up against Minnesota United. LAFC stands out as the only team in the Western Conference to extend their series to a crucial third match, thanks to a decisive goal from Mateusz Bogusz against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Amidst a difficult season, the path of Inter Miami appears unclear, as ongoing conversations revolve around Messi's future with the team and their status in both MLS and the global arena.
