November 11 – Atlanta United eliminated Inter Miami and Lionel Messi from the MLS playoffs, once again raising questions over their fast-tracked ticket to the Club World Cup and the sporting integrity of FIFA’s newest and shiniest ambition.
In a do-or-die match in Fort Lauderdale, Messi and co. were left exasperated, exiting the playoffs at the first hurdle following a 3-2 defeat against Atlanta in game three of their Eastern Conference series.
In the second half, the Argentine star drew the scores level with a header to seemingly rescue his side, but in the 76th minute, Bartosz Slisz won the tie for the visitors, who will return to the Sunshine State for their semi-final against Orlando City.
New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls face off in a derby in the other semi-final of the Eastern Conference.
Last year, Inter Miami also failed to survive in the playoffs, but with the arrival of Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, the team gained experience and stardust. They combined to break records in the regular season, but the Inter stars will not bring home the league title.
“If you look at the context in which this began, it seems to me that the progress of the club is important,” said Inter Miami manager Tata Martino.
“The comparison of the last game of last season, back in October, with today’s third game in the playoffs and this bitterness that we all have for not having progressed, is clear that the club’s objectives have been modified and I think there is no reason for the club not to continue trying next year.”
However, all is not lost. FIFA confirmed last month that Miami will play in the 2025 Club World Cup. FIFA president Gianni Infantino extended the invite after Miami defeated New England Revolution 6-2. FIFA had reserved the right to pick the final participant from the Concacaf region – and that MLS was restricted to simply providing suggestions.
Inter Miami, only playing in their fourth season, are the Supporters’ Shield winners (highest points scorers in the regular season), but not (and never have been) the national champions.
In previous editions of the Club World Cup, the national champions have traditionally represented the host nation. In 2000, however, FIFA picked both Corinthians, then Brazilian champions, and Vasco da Gama, 1998 Copa Libertadores winners, but denied a place to 1999 Libertadores winners Palmeiras.
FIFA have failed to clarify the criteria that allows Inter Miami to participate in the Club World Cup in 2025.
For the first time, 32 clubs will participate but FIFA has struggled to bring sponsors and broadcasters on board, and European clubs have been reluctant to embrace the competition.
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