MX23RW : Sunday, October 20 20:02:01| >> :60:1597:1597:

Pep Guardiola could clash with Lionel Messi as FIFA confirm Club World Cup decision

Why Pep Guardiola could face Lionel Messi in 2025?
© Imago
Lionel Messi could face his former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola after FIFA confirms Inter Miami's invite for the 2025 Club World Cup in the USA.

Lionel Messi could face his former manager Pep Guardiola after FIFA confirmed Inter Miami's involvement in next year's FIFA Club World Cup.

The expanded 32-team tournament is scheduled to take place in the USA next summer, with the competition set to run from June 15 to July 3.

The CONCACAF region have been given four spots for the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup winners plus an invitational MLS club of FIFA's choosing due to the fact the tournament will take place in the USA.

FIFA were widely expected to invite Inter Miami after the MLS franchise recently clinched the Supporters' Shield for the first time in their history.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi on October 5, 2024© Imago

Inter Miami to participate in FIFA Club World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed Inter Miami's invitation following Saturday's 6-2 home win over the New England Revolution.

Messi came off the bench to score an 11-minute hat-trick to help Inter Miami break the MLS points record on the final day of the regular season.

Speaking during Inter Miami's celebrations, Infantino said: "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.

"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.

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

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pictured during a press conference on September 17, 2024© Imago

Could Messi face Guardiola at the FIFA Club World Cup?

As a result of FIFA's decision, Inter Miami will compete in the same competition as the likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Juventus.

Messi could also face his former Barcelona manager Guardiola, who will take Man City to the USA for next year's tournament.

The pair won numerous trophies during their time at Barcelona together, including the 2009 and 2011 Club World Cups.

The Argentina international could also go up against one of his former clubs, Paris Saint-Germain, who are one of 12 European teams that will feature in the 2025 competition.

Unfortunately for Messi, there will be no Barcelona reunion after his former employers failed to secure qualification.

With Inter Miami confirmed for the Club World Cup, 31 of the 32 teams have now sealed their spot in the expanded tournament.

The final spot will go to the winner of the 2024 Copa Libertadores, with Atletico Mineiro, Botafogo, Penarol and River Plate all left in the competition, although the latter have already sealed their place for next summer's Club World Cup.

ID:555949:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5201:

Click here for more stories about Pep Guardiola

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich scores against Arsenal on April 17, 2024
Read Next:
Arsenal miss out on Club World Cup spot after Champions League exit
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Patriots
16-32
Jags
6pm
Titans
@
Bills
6pm
Bengals
@
Browns
6pm
Dolphins
@
Colts
6pm
Seahawks
@
Falcons
6pm
Eagles
@
Giants
6pm
Texans
@
Packers
6pm
Lions
@
Vikings
9.05pm
Chiefs
@
49ers
9.05pm
Raiders
@
Rams
9.05pm
Panthers
@
Washington
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool87011531221
2Manchester CityMan City86201991020
3Arsenal8521158717
4Aston Villa85211510517
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton84311410415
6Chelsea84221710714
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs8413189913
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle833288012
9Fulham83231111011
10Bournemouth83231010011
11Manchester UnitedMan Utd832379-211
12Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest724176110
13Brentford83141415-110
14Leicester CityLeicester82331214-29
15West Ham UnitedWest Ham82241115-48
16Everton8224915-68
17Ipswich TownIpswich8044616-104
18Crystal Palace7034510-53
19Southampton8017618-121
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves80171023-131


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!