Inter Miami isn’t just riding a wave, it’s been completely reshaped by the Messi phenomenon. Since the Argentine superstar Lionel Messi landed in South Florida, the club has exploded in both relevance and revenue.

Despite the absences, Inter Miami held FC Cincinnati to a 0-0 draw at Chase Stadium on Saturday night. The team also presented new signing Rodrigo De Paul prior to kick off, introducing the World Cup winner and Messi's Argentina teammate to fans.

An Inter Miami team missing the suspended Lionel Messi missed the chance to gain ground on Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati after being held to a 0-0 draw in Major League Soccer on Saturday. That meant Messi and Alba could only watch on from the sidelines in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday as Inter were frustrated by a well-organised Cincinnati team.

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 delivered a thrilling spectacle, highlighted by Chelsea's unexpected triumph as champions. Equally surprising, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami defied expectations with an impressive finish in the tournament standings.

João Neves scored a pair of goals for Paris Saint-Germain and the world’s best team overwhelmed one of the game’s greatest players, embarrassing Lionel Messi and Inter Miami 4-0 in the round of 16 at the Club World Cup.

Lionel Messi (c.) looks down during Inter Miami’s Club World Cup loss to PSG on June 29, 2025. AP Offensively, Messi and his forward line spent the majority of the first half in their own half.

Legends are made from silverware. Cole Palmer just guided Chelsea to a FIFA Club World Cup title at 23 years old. That puts him in an elite club alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The first edition of the FIFA Club World Cup under the new format was an absolute success!

Mamelodi Sundowns' Brazilian talisman Lucas Ribeiro clinched the FIFA Club World Cup Goal of the Tournament, outshining global superstars Lionel MessiIn a jaw-dropping moment, Ribeiro won the ball deep in his half and sprinted 67 yards,

And if the Club World Cup was to stand a chance of take-off — particularly after many false starts — Messi’s involvement represented Infantino taking a shot in the last-chance saloon.