Lionel Messi to make shock tournament return as FIFA make Inter Miami decision

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have been chosen by FIFA to play at the expanded Club World Cup next year.

Messi scored twice as Miami beat Columbus Crew 3-2 to win the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the first time.

Messi and Suarez have formed a lethal duo

This trophy is handed to the team who has the best regular season record.

It marks the 46th trophy of Messi’s career and will now mean he has qualified for a tournament he last featured in a decade ago.

FIFA are expected to confirm Inter Miami’s participation as the US representative at the Club World Cup.

The 32-team tournament will be played in the USA next year and feature teams from six confederations.

Two teams are yet to be confirmed – the winners of the 2024 Copa Libertadores and from the host country.

Now, FIFA are expected to name Messi and Inter Miami as participants following their MLS Supporters’ Shield triumph.

Messi last played in the Club World Cup in 2015 with Barcelona.

First, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will be hoping to win a first MLS Cup for Inter Miami.

It would represent a record extending 47th trophy of his career.

“The first objective has been achieved and now we have to think about what’s next,” said Messi.

Messi, Suarez and co will be in the Club World Cup next year

“The first round is three games but then it’s one game and anything can happen.

“But we have the great advantage of playing all the games at home, which is what we were looking for. We are very strong at home.

Inter Miami need two wins from their final two regular season games to beat the current MLS points tally record.

The MLS Cup final will be played on December 7.