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Messi is just unstoppable
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[PICTURES] Lionel Messi: The GOAT
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Lionel Messi: Napkin that sealed football legend's move to Barcelona put up for sale for £300K
A napkin that helped launch the career of football superstar Lionel Messi, is being put up for auction.
The napkin, itself something of a legend in the world of football, served as an unusual contract to secure the Argentine prodigy's move to Barcelona in 2000.
Potential bidders will face a starting price of £300,000 for the piece of football history and have until 17 May to make an online offer with auctioneers Bonhams.
Messi, then 13, had been on trial with Barcelona in September of that year, but by December his father Jorge had reportedly become frustrated by the club's failure to tie down his son.
The LaLiga club's sporting director Carles Rexach stepped in, pulling out a 16.5cm by 16.5cm napkin at the Pompeia tennis club in the company of Josep Minguella, transfer adviser to the club, and Horacio Gaggioli, the Argentine agent who brought Messi to their attention.
The text of impromptu deal, reads: "In Barcelona, on 14 December 2000 and the presence of Messrs Minguella and Horacio, Carles Rexach, FC Barcelona's sporting director, hereby agrees, under his responsibility and regardless of any dissenting opinions, to sign the player Lionel Messi, provided that we keep to the amounts agreed upon."
The napkin was signed by Rexach, Minguella and Gaggioli. That night, Barcelona president Joan Gaspart confirmed the agreement.
It is being sold on behalf of Gaggioli, who brought Messi to the club's attention.
Messi went on to score 672 goals for the club, winning four Champions League titles and 10 LaLiga titles.
Ian Ehling, head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York, said: "This is one of the most thrilling items I have ever handled.
"Yes, it's a paper napkin, but it's the famous napkin that was at the inception of Lionel Messi's career.
"It changed the life of Messi, the future of FC Barcelona, and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments of football to billions of fans around the globe."
Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in the MLS, has eight Ballon d'Or awards to his name, and won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022. He is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time.
Lionel Messi: Napkin that sealed football legend's move to Barcelona put up for sale for £300K
The piece of football history, which served as an unlikely contract for the Argentine teenager's move to Barcelona, has a starting price of £300,000.
news.sky.com
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God has blessed him greatly.
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Lionel Messi tried to persuade Man Utd cult hero to join Inter Miami
Lionel Messi personally called former Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo to pitch the idea of joining him at Inter Miami.
Messi departed Europe last year following a short stint at Paris Saint-Germain, as well as a World Cup win with Argentina in Qatar in December 2022. Instead of joining his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, Messi was lured to MLS by David Beckham and Inter Miami.
Former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez have all since joined Messi in the Sunshine State and their impact has been laid bare by their record start to the 2024 campaign, topping the Eastern Conference with 35 points in 18 games. Messi, Busquets and Alba also helped Inter Miami win last season's Leagues Cup, as well as reach the U.S. Open Cup Final against the Houston Dynamo - but the franchise missed out on a playoff spot.
Messi also tried to talk another friend into joining him in Miami, personally calling former United and Argentina defender Rojo, to pitch the transfer. The 34-year-old is back playing in his beloved Argentina at Boca Juniors having left Europe after a decade-long stint playing for Spartak Moscow, Sporting Lisbon and the Red Devils.
Speaking to Radio La Red, Rojo revealed: "Leo called me, it’s not like it was just anyone or an intermediary, no one. I spoke with Leo Messi, who told me about the possibility of going to Inter. Imagine what that means for any footballer.
"The truth is I was not convinced to leave Boca, I had recently renewed. The only thing I did was communicate with Roman (Riquelme) to tell him about the situation and to tell him that if he needed me here I was going to stay.
"I wasn’t convinced to leave, I didn’t want to leave. If he told me that he needed me here for this year, I was 100% convinced to continue in Boca and I want to continue doing it.”
Rojo, a World Cup and Copa America runner-up, would've boosted Inter Miami, whose defence has been the main cause for concern this year, despite topping the East thus far. Miami has conceded the joint-tenth most goals in the Eastern Conference, tied with rock-bottom New England Revolution.
It's in the midfield and attack where Inter Miami has made up ground, with Messi playing a part in 25 goals in just 13 MLS games - a league record.
Messi will now head to the Copa America to help Argentina defend its South American crown. The tournament is taking place in North America, as will the 2026 World Cup, where the Argentines will have to stage another title defence.
Lionel Messi tried to persuade Man Utd cult hero to join Inter Miami
Marcos Rojo had Lionel Messi pitching him a transfer to Inter Miami with the MLS franchise's defence the main cause for concern in 2024 for David Beckham's team
www.mirror.co.uk
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Lionel Messi gives his thoughts on the best team in the world
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Lionel Messi, his legendary left foot louder than his soft-spoken voice, sent a message to his legion of fans after Argentina reached the Copa America 2024 final
Enjoy this moment, these moments, while they last.
Messi scored a quirky goal, and Argentina defeated Canada, 2-0, in its Copa America semifinal on Tuesday night to set the stage for Messi and Argentina soccer to be remembered as one of the sport’s all-time great dynasties.
The Copa America final is Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, against Colombia or Uruguay, pending Wednesday night's semifinal.
"It's crazy what this group did, what the Argentine national team has been doing. After this, much more importance will be given to all the finals that I and the old group had to play in," Messi said following the match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
"We have to enjoy everything we are experiencing as a national team. What we have achieved is very difficult. We have to take advantage of it."
Messi’s life changed since his World Cup win.
And before it changes again − with the 2026 World Cup or retirement in the near distance − he wants to soak it all in during this Copa America run to the final.
"These are the last battles, and I am enjoying them to the fullest," Messi said.
Not just for him, but for his teammates like Ángel Di María, the big-game scorer Messi needed to get the international monkey off his back. The Copa America final will be Di María’s final match with the Argentine national team.
"Before going out on the field, Leo said they wanted to reach the final for me, and that fills me with pride," Di María said. "Having that possibility of being able to achieve everything I achieved this last time with all of them is a source of pride for me."
Messi also wants Argentine fans who have grown accustomed to their winning, the same ones who bemoaned him for not being able to win Copa America or the World Cup, to enjoy these moments.
Argentina was a favorite to reach this final, fulfilling this sort of comfortable destiny and reputation of being World Cup champions.
Sure, a game-tying goal against Ecuador in the quarterfinals last week went to penalties, and Messi missed his shot. But no need to panic. Never a doubt.
Argentina outmatched Canada, which earned the prize of meeting with the international juggernaut by outlasting the likes of Brazil, Venezuela and the United States to reach the Copa America final four.
"Yesterday, one of my colleagues was saying maybe we are normalizing these," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. "It is extremely tough to reach another final. We are carrying over a great level of praise with great success. We know how hard it is to get here."
Argentina won Copa America 2021. It beat the Euro 2021 champions, Italy, in the 2022 Finalissima two summers ago. Argentina won the Qatar World Cup in 2022. Another Copa America crown would be Argentina’s fourth major international championship in a three-year span.
Messi wants his fans to savor and remember: This is a fleeting moment. Not everything lasts. He can tell you best.
Messi’s international success − the success he longed for his entire career when he was a Barcelona star − followed his Barcelona exit in 2021.
All that’s left is Barcelona memories of his four UEFA Champions League crowns, seven Copa del Rey titles and 10 La Liga titles − appreciated more after his sour Paris Saint-Germain stint.
Messi will make some more memories later this year and next with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, like he did last summer, winning a title seven games into his career in the United States.
But this Copa America final will be his last.
And whether Messi plays in the next World Cup will depend on his health and desire, as he’s indicated.
"We have to let him be," Scaloni said of Messi’s comments. "We will never be the ones to close the door. He can be with our team with as long as he wants to be."
Messi hasn’t closed the door just yet. He has another trophy to pursue before this all-time Argentina run comes to an end.
www.usatoday.com
Enjoy this moment, these moments, while they last.
Messi scored a quirky goal, and Argentina defeated Canada, 2-0, in its Copa America semifinal on Tuesday night to set the stage for Messi and Argentina soccer to be remembered as one of the sport’s all-time great dynasties.
The Copa America final is Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, against Colombia or Uruguay, pending Wednesday night's semifinal.
"It's crazy what this group did, what the Argentine national team has been doing. After this, much more importance will be given to all the finals that I and the old group had to play in," Messi said following the match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
"We have to enjoy everything we are experiencing as a national team. What we have achieved is very difficult. We have to take advantage of it."
Messi’s life changed since his World Cup win.
And before it changes again − with the 2026 World Cup or retirement in the near distance − he wants to soak it all in during this Copa America run to the final.
"These are the last battles, and I am enjoying them to the fullest," Messi said.
Not just for him, but for his teammates like Ángel Di María, the big-game scorer Messi needed to get the international monkey off his back. The Copa America final will be Di María’s final match with the Argentine national team.
"Before going out on the field, Leo said they wanted to reach the final for me, and that fills me with pride," Di María said. "Having that possibility of being able to achieve everything I achieved this last time with all of them is a source of pride for me."
Messi also wants Argentine fans who have grown accustomed to their winning, the same ones who bemoaned him for not being able to win Copa America or the World Cup, to enjoy these moments.
Argentina was a favorite to reach this final, fulfilling this sort of comfortable destiny and reputation of being World Cup champions.
Sure, a game-tying goal against Ecuador in the quarterfinals last week went to penalties, and Messi missed his shot. But no need to panic. Never a doubt.
Argentina outmatched Canada, which earned the prize of meeting with the international juggernaut by outlasting the likes of Brazil, Venezuela and the United States to reach the Copa America final four.
"Yesterday, one of my colleagues was saying maybe we are normalizing these," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. "It is extremely tough to reach another final. We are carrying over a great level of praise with great success. We know how hard it is to get here."
Argentina won Copa America 2021. It beat the Euro 2021 champions, Italy, in the 2022 Finalissima two summers ago. Argentina won the Qatar World Cup in 2022. Another Copa America crown would be Argentina’s fourth major international championship in a three-year span.
Messi wants his fans to savor and remember: This is a fleeting moment. Not everything lasts. He can tell you best.
Messi’s international success − the success he longed for his entire career when he was a Barcelona star − followed his Barcelona exit in 2021.
All that’s left is Barcelona memories of his four UEFA Champions League crowns, seven Copa del Rey titles and 10 La Liga titles − appreciated more after his sour Paris Saint-Germain stint.
Messi will make some more memories later this year and next with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, like he did last summer, winning a title seven games into his career in the United States.
But this Copa America final will be his last.
And whether Messi plays in the next World Cup will depend on his health and desire, as he’s indicated.
"We have to let him be," Scaloni said of Messi’s comments. "We will never be the ones to close the door. He can be with our team with as long as he wants to be."
Messi hasn’t closed the door just yet. He has another trophy to pursue before this all-time Argentina run comes to an end.
Messi enjoying 'last battles' to fullest as Argentina reaches Copa America final
Lionel Messi, his left foot louder than his soft-spoken voice, sent a message to his legion of fans after Argentina reached the Copa America final.
www.usatoday.com
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Lionel Messi forced off with injury in Copa América final
Lionel Messi was forced off with an apparent right ankle injury in the second half of Argentina's 1-0 Copa América final win over Colombia at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.
Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal for Argentina in extra time to earn Argentina their record 16th Copa crown and third consecutive major tournament title after winning the Copa in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022.
Messi collapsed to the field in the 64th minute and immediately signaled his concern to the Argentina bench. He remained down for several minutes as trainers came out before being helped to his feet and immediately taking his shoe off his right foot.
As he walked off the field, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner took off his captains armband and threw his shoe to the ground in frustration. An emotional Messi was then shown covering his face, sobbing in his seat, while TV cameras also showed that his right ankle was severely swollen.
He was replaced by Nicolás González.
Messi had earlier gone down holding his right ankle after a strong challenge in the first half.
The Inter Miami player chased the ball and tried to kick it before it went out of bounds. He planted his right leg awkwardly and appeared to take contact from Colombia's Santiago Arias.
The 37-year-old writhed in pain and rolled over several times as he grabbed at his lower right leg. Trainers worked on the area for a few minutes before helping him to his feet. He walked slowly toward the sideline before reentering the game.
Messi had been dealing with a leg injury and discomfort through much of the tournament and missed Argentina's group stage finale. He had one shot attempt in the first half Sunday.
The final was tied 0-0 when Messi exited, but he watched on from the sidelines as his team gutted out the win over a tough and talented Colombia team that had gone unbeaten in 28 straight games.
Argentina win Copa final as Messi exits in tears
Lionel Messi was forced off with an apparent right ankle injury in the second half of the Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.
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Lionel Messi will not play in Inter Miami's next two matches after suffering an ankle injury in the Copa América final, head coach Tata Martino said Tuesday.
The 37-year-old Messi left the match after going down in the 64th minute during Argentina's 1-0 win over Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. After further evaluation, the team released a statement on Tuesday evening saying that Messi suffered "a ligament injury" in the ankle.
Yahoo Sports
The 37-year-old Messi left the match after going down in the 64th minute during Argentina's 1-0 win over Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. After further evaluation, the team released a statement on Tuesday evening saying that Messi suffered "a ligament injury" in the ankle.
Yahoo Sports
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Lionel Messi forced off with injury in Copa América final
Lionel Messi was forced off with an apparent right ankle injury in the second half of Argentina's 1-0 Copa América final win over Colombia at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.
Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal for Argentina in extra time to earn Argentina their record 16th Copa crown and third consecutive major tournament title after winning the Copa in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022.
Messi collapsed to the field in the 64th minute and immediately signaled his concern to the Argentina bench. He remained down for several minutes as trainers came out before being helped to his feet and immediately taking his shoe off his right foot.
As he walked off the field, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner took off his captains armband and threw his shoe to the ground in frustration. An emotional Messi was then shown covering his face, sobbing in his seat, while TV cameras also showed that his right ankle was severely swollen.
He was replaced by Nicolás González.
Messi had earlier gone down holding his right ankle after a strong challenge in the first half.
The Inter Miami player chased the ball and tried to kick it before it went out of bounds. He planted his right leg awkwardly and appeared to take contact from Colombia's Santiago Arias.
The 37-year-old writhed in pain and rolled over several times as he grabbed at his lower right leg. Trainers worked on the area for a few minutes before helping him to his feet. He walked slowly toward the sideline before reentering the game.
Messi had been dealing with a leg injury and discomfort through much of the tournament and missed Argentina's group stage finale. He had one shot attempt in the first half Sunday.
The final was tied 0-0 when Messi exited, but he watched on from the sidelines as his team gutted out the win over a tough and talented Colombia team that had gone unbeaten in 28 straight games.
Argentina win Copa final as Messi exits in tears
Lionel Messi was forced off with an apparent right ankle injury in the second half of the Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.www.espn.in
That looks really bad. Didn't realize it was this bad.
Anyway, didn't cost Argentina as they won the COPA.
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Lionel Messi out of MLS All-Star Game after Copa injury
Inter Miami CF's Lionel Messi will not play in this week's MLS All-Star Game, the league announced on Monday, eight days after the Argentina superstar left his team's Copa América final win over Colombia with an ankle injury.
Messi's teammate Luis Suárez will also miss the game due to what the team described as "knee discomfort." The team's other two former Barcelona stars, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, will play.
www.espn.in
Inter Miami CF's Lionel Messi will not play in this week's MLS All-Star Game, the league announced on Monday, eight days after the Argentina superstar left his team's Copa América final win over Colombia with an ankle injury.
Messi's teammate Luis Suárez will also miss the game due to what the team described as "knee discomfort." The team's other two former Barcelona stars, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, will play.
Messi, Suárez both out for MLS All-Star Game
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi will not play in this week's MLS All-Star Game, Major League Soccer said on Monday, eight days after the Argentine superstar left the Copa America final with an ankle injury.
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When will Messi retire? I think he may just play next World Cup too.
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Most definitely.
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I am a fan of Argentina and Messi. Would love to see him play next World Cup.
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Messi scores two in four minutes on injury return
Lionel Messi marked his return from injury with two goals and an assist to help Inter Miami to a 3-1 win against Philadelphia Union.
The World Cup-winning Argentina captain had not played since injuring his ankle in his country's Copa America final victory over Colombia in July.
That saw him miss this month's World Cup qualifiers, while he also sat out eight games for his Major League Soccer side - though they lead the MLS Eastern Conference standings.
But the 37-year-old former Barcelona star played the full 90 minutes in his first start for three months and ran the show.
Philadelphia took the lead after 58 seconds through Mikael Uhre but Miami equalised in the 26th minute, Messi beating a defender and lashing home after collecting a pass from Luis Suarez following good work from another ex-Barca team-mate in Jordi Alba.
Messi fired his team ahead four minutes later after being teed up by Alba and went on to set up Suarez for Miami's third deep in second-half injury time.
After the match Messi, who now has 14 goals in 13 games this season, acknowledged he was "a little tired".
"I really wanted to come back, I had been off of the field for a long time," he added.
"Little by little I was training with the group, feeling good and that's why we decided that I would start, and I'm very happy."
Elsewhere, LA Galaxy fought back from two goals down to beat Los Angeles rivals LAFC 4-2 as the top two teams in the Western Conference met.
BBC
Lionel Messi marked his return from injury with two goals and an assist to help Inter Miami to a 3-1 win against Philadelphia Union.
The World Cup-winning Argentina captain had not played since injuring his ankle in his country's Copa America final victory over Colombia in July.
That saw him miss this month's World Cup qualifiers, while he also sat out eight games for his Major League Soccer side - though they lead the MLS Eastern Conference standings.
But the 37-year-old former Barcelona star played the full 90 minutes in his first start for three months and ran the show.
Philadelphia took the lead after 58 seconds through Mikael Uhre but Miami equalised in the 26th minute, Messi beating a defender and lashing home after collecting a pass from Luis Suarez following good work from another ex-Barca team-mate in Jordi Alba.
Messi fired his team ahead four minutes later after being teed up by Alba and went on to set up Suarez for Miami's third deep in second-half injury time.
After the match Messi, who now has 14 goals in 13 games this season, acknowledged he was "a little tired".
"I really wanted to come back, I had been off of the field for a long time," he added.
"Little by little I was training with the group, feeling good and that's why we decided that I would start, and I'm very happy."
Elsewhere, LA Galaxy fought back from two goals down to beat Los Angeles rivals LAFC 4-2 as the top two teams in the Western Conference met.
BBC
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Messi scores twice as Inter Miami win MLS Shield
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi scored twice in a 3-2 win against Columbus Crew to help the club to win the MLS Supporters' Shield for the first time.
The Argentina playmaker opened the scoring with a close-range finish and doubled the away side's lead in first-half stoppage time with a sublime free-kick.
Crew winger Diego Rossi halved the deficit in Ohio before former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez restored Inter Miami's two-goal lead and they held on after Cucho Hernandez's penalty.
Miami's victory means the club will finish top of the table and have won the Supporters' Shield - which is given to the MLS club with the best regular season record - for the first time since they debuted in 2020.
The trophy is Messi's 46th piece of silverware in his glittering career for club and country.
By finishing top of the standings, Miami have secured home advantage during the post-season play-offs.
"The first objective has been achieved and now we have to think about what's next," said Messi.
"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."
Miami need two wins from their final two league matches to beat the MLS record for most points in a regular season, which currently stands as the 73 amassed by the New England Revolution in 2021.
BBC
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi scored twice in a 3-2 win against Columbus Crew to help the club to win the MLS Supporters' Shield for the first time.
The Argentina playmaker opened the scoring with a close-range finish and doubled the away side's lead in first-half stoppage time with a sublime free-kick.
Crew winger Diego Rossi halved the deficit in Ohio before former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez restored Inter Miami's two-goal lead and they held on after Cucho Hernandez's penalty.
Miami's victory means the club will finish top of the table and have won the Supporters' Shield - which is given to the MLS club with the best regular season record - for the first time since they debuted in 2020.
The trophy is Messi's 46th piece of silverware in his glittering career for club and country.
By finishing top of the standings, Miami have secured home advantage during the post-season play-offs.
"The first objective has been achieved and now we have to think about what's next," said Messi.
"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."
Miami need two wins from their final two league matches to beat the MLS record for most points in a regular season, which currently stands as the 73 amassed by the New England Revolution in 2021.
BBC
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Argentine fooball legend Lionel Messi on Tuesday equalled Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo's record for most international hat-tricks as he scored his 10th such hat-trick.
Messi achieved the latest feat as his national team thrashed Bolivia 6-0 in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in front of a home crowd at the Monumental stadium and helped score two more goals.
Messi achieved the latest feat as his national team thrashed Bolivia 6-0 in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in front of a home crowd at the Monumental stadium and helped score two more goals.
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Messi is a goat...
But it time for him to just retire with a legendary record.
But it time for him to just retire with a legendary record.
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Messi's Inter Miami to play in Fifa Club World Cup
Major League Soccer side Inter Miami have been named as the latest addition to the Fifa Club World Cup in 2025.
The expanded 32-team tournament will be held in the United States in 2025 from 15 June to 3 July next year.
The tournament will be made up of 12 teams from Europe, six from South America, 12 from Asia, Africa and North America with the final two spots going to one club from Oceania and another from the United States - the host nation.
Inter Miami, who are co-owned by David Beckham, have been awarded that spot after the club won the MLS Supporters Shield - which is given to the club in the MLS with the best regular game season.
The announcement came after Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to help Inter Miami break the MLS's regular-season points record.
"You have shown that in the United States, you are consistently the best club on the field of play," Fifa president Gianni Infantino said.
"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."
Messi, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez could come up against Chelsea and Manchester City, who have already qualified for the tournament.
Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto and Benfica are other representatives from Europe.
The 32nd spot in the tournament will be awarded to the winner of the 2024 Copa Libertadores.
Matches will be played across eight venues in the US - including at Inter Miami's Hard Rock stadium - with the final to take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Fifa's decision to expand the competition has drawn criticism from clubs and players, particularly after Uefa expanded the Champions League and Europa League group stages to include two further matches.
Global players' union Fifpro and the European Leagues body, which represents 39 leagues and 1,130 clubs in 33 countries, filed a joint complaint to the European Commission in July to protest Fifa's "abuse of dominance" in the game.
The last edition of the tournament in 2023 was contested between seven teams from six confederations, with Manchester City winning the trophy.
The full Club World Cup draw will be made in December.
BBC
Major League Soccer side Inter Miami have been named as the latest addition to the Fifa Club World Cup in 2025.
The expanded 32-team tournament will be held in the United States in 2025 from 15 June to 3 July next year.
The tournament will be made up of 12 teams from Europe, six from South America, 12 from Asia, Africa and North America with the final two spots going to one club from Oceania and another from the United States - the host nation.
Inter Miami, who are co-owned by David Beckham, have been awarded that spot after the club won the MLS Supporters Shield - which is given to the club in the MLS with the best regular game season.
The announcement came after Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to help Inter Miami break the MLS's regular-season points record.
"You have shown that in the United States, you are consistently the best club on the field of play," Fifa president Gianni Infantino said.
"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."
Messi, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez could come up against Chelsea and Manchester City, who have already qualified for the tournament.
Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto and Benfica are other representatives from Europe.
The 32nd spot in the tournament will be awarded to the winner of the 2024 Copa Libertadores.
Matches will be played across eight venues in the US - including at Inter Miami's Hard Rock stadium - with the final to take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Fifa's decision to expand the competition has drawn criticism from clubs and players, particularly after Uefa expanded the Champions League and Europa League group stages to include two further matches.
Global players' union Fifpro and the European Leagues body, which represents 39 leagues and 1,130 clubs in 33 countries, filed a joint complaint to the European Commission in July to protest Fifa's "abuse of dominance" in the game.
The last edition of the tournament in 2023 was contested between seven teams from six confederations, with Manchester City winning the trophy.
The full Club World Cup draw will be made in December.
BBC
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Inter Miami's Messi wins MLS MVP award
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has won Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player award.
The former Barcelona and Paris-St Germain forward helped Inter Miami to a record regular season points tally, before his side were beaten in the first round of the MLS Cup play-offs in November.
The 37-year-old had a league-leading 36 goal contributions, scoring 20 goals and creating 16 assists.
The award comes despite injuries limiting Messi to just 19 regular season and two play-off appearances for Miami this year.
The league's MVP is chosen by players, club technical staff and journalists. Messi received 38.43% of votes, beating Colombus Crew's Cucho Hernandez who got 33.7%.
The award, officially known as the Landon Donovan MLS MVP, has previously been won by former United States midfielder Donavon, Republic of Ireland's Robbie Keane and Spain's David Villa.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has won Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player award.
The former Barcelona and Paris-St Germain forward helped Inter Miami to a record regular season points tally, before his side were beaten in the first round of the MLS Cup play-offs in November.
The 37-year-old had a league-leading 36 goal contributions, scoring 20 goals and creating 16 assists.
The award comes despite injuries limiting Messi to just 19 regular season and two play-off appearances for Miami this year.
The league's MVP is chosen by players, club technical staff and journalists. Messi received 38.43% of votes, beating Colombus Crew's Cucho Hernandez who got 33.7%.
The award, officially known as the Landon Donovan MLS MVP, has previously been won by former United States midfielder Donavon, Republic of Ireland's Robbie Keane and Spain's David Villa.
Lionel Messi: MLS MVP award given to Inter Miami forward
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi wins Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player award.
www.bbc.com
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Inter Miami's Messi wins MLS MVP award
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has won Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player award.
The former Barcelona and Paris-St Germain forward helped Inter Miami to a record regular season points tally, before his side were beaten in the first round of the MLS Cup play-offs in November.
The 37-year-old had a league-leading 36 goal contributions, scoring 20 goals and creating 16 assists.
The award comes despite injuries limiting Messi to just 19 regular season and two play-off appearances for Miami this year.
The league's MVP is chosen by players, club technical staff and journalists. Messi received 38.43% of votes, beating Colombus Crew's Cucho Hernandez who got 33.7%.
The award, officially known as the Landon Donovan MLS MVP, has previously been won by former United States midfielder Donavon, Republic of Ireland's Robbie Keane and Spain's David Villa.
Lionel Messi: MLS MVP award given to Inter Miami forward
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi wins Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player award.www.bbc.com
American league is probably too easy for an ATG like Lionel Messi.
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