"Pre-determined and disgraceful" - Journalist slams FIFA for giving Club World Cup spot to Lionel Messi's Inter Miami after MLS Cup exit

The Times journalist Martyn Ziegler has lashed out at FIFA's decision to give the Club World Cup spot to Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. The Herons were knocked out of the MLS Cup by Atlanta United on November 9 at the Chase Stadium.

It was a best-of-three tie to determine which team would make it into the MLS Cup Conference Semi-finals. While Inter Miami won the first game 2-1, Atlanta United won the second game 2-1. The third game was the decider, and Atlanta came out with a 3-2 win over Lionel Messi's side.

While the Herons did win the Supporters' Shield, they were looking to go all the way and clinch the MLS Cup. However, they lost out, but FIFA had already handed them a spot in the upcoming Club World Cup in 2025. This means that the eventual winner of the MLS Cup will not partake in the tournament.

Ziegler slammed this decision by FIFA on his social media account on X, posting:

"FIFA's decision to give Inter Miami a Club World Cup spot instead of who is the MLS champions looking even more pre-determined and disgraceful."

In his column for The Times, he revealed that FIFA's main plan was to attach Lionel Messi to the competition:

"It is believed that Fifa wanted to be sure that Messi would be involved in order to attract sponsors and TV companies — it has still to announce who has the broadcast rights for the tournament — and did not want to take the risk that Inter Miami would not be MLS champions."

In the meantime, Lionel Messi's season with Inter Miami has ended, while Atlanta will continue to the next round of the MLS Cup, where they face Orlando City.

---

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi reveals his children criticize his performances

Lionel Messi has spoken about how much his children love football and how they have criticized his performances. The Miami superstar had an interview with popular transfer expert Fabrizio Romano for 433, where he said (via GOAL):

"We play with football. Everything revolves around football. A few touches, a few passes. It depends on the moments, on which of the three as well.

"Because one is more hot-headed than the others. And well, they also give me advice. They criticize me too when they watch a game."

The legendary forward will get some rest from his club obligations, as their season has now ended, following their elimination from the MLS Cup. His sights will turn to the World Cup Qualifiers, where Argentina face Paraguay (November 14) and Peru (November 19).