Miami becomes global football hub with FIFA's shift and Messi's impact
- FIFA president announced Inter Miami's qualification for the Club World Cup in the United States.
- Lionel Messi's participation is pivotal, helping to boost the profile of soccer in North America.
- This move aims to enhance FIFA's relationships with regional confederations and promote soccer's growth in the region.
In October 2024, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the qualification of Inter Miami for the Club World Cup in the United States. The event is significant as it highlights Miami's emergence as a pivotal city for football in North America, especially with FIFA relocating some offices to the area. Lionel Messi's influential presence in the MLS is a major factor, as his performance could mark the last opportunity for fans to see him before the 2026 World Cup. Furthermore, FIFA aims to enhance its relationship with regional football confederations CONCACAF and CONMEBOL through initiatives in Miami. The city is viewed as an ideal hub for the upcoming World Cup and is crucial for the expansion of soccer in North America. Despite challenges such as low television ratings, Messi's stardom is expected to shine a spotlight on the MLS, cultivating growth in the sport’s popularity across the continent.