Lionel Messi may soon see some familiar faces as the Inter Miami star ‘is set to take on the Premier League giants in next summer’s Club World Cup’ after his side looks set to ‘host’ for the extended tournament.

Messi has been away from European football for over a year as he excelled in Miami. Thanks to Wednesday night’s victory, Inter Miami wins the Supporters’ Shield, giving the team the best regular-season record in MLS.

The United States will host the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time, with as many as 32 teams participating, up from seven in the 2023 edition.

The Inter Miami edition has not been confirmed by FIFA, but clarity will likely come soon via GiveMeSport.

Inter Miami would be the second American team involved in the tournament, joining the Seattle Sounders, who qualified by winning the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League.

Lionel Messi could take part in the global club tournament again during the Club World Cup next summer

Manchester City have qualified for the tournament and are expected to be among the favourites

Two Premier League teams will also take part in the competition, Manchester City and Chelsea, after the teams lifted the UEFA Champions League trophies in 2023 and 2021 respectively.

Some believe the open hosting spot this year would go to the MLS Cup champions, which could still be Inter Miami.

Only two of the 32 spots in the competition remain unfilled: the hosts and the winner of this year’s Copa Libertadores tournament, which will be crowned on November 30.

A European team has won the tournament every year since 2012, when Brazil’s Corinthians defeated Chelsea in the final.

Inter Miami always seemed like a good choice to fill the role of host, as adding Messi to the squad brings in one of the best football stars in the world.

The opening match of the tournament could take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, fulfilling Inter Miami’s responsibilities as host.