Lionel Messi could soon see some familiar faces again, with the Inter Miami star set to “face the Premier League giants at next summer’s Club World Cup” after his side are expected to “host” the expanded tournament.

Messi has spent more than a year away from European football while shining in Miami. With Wednesday night’s victory, Inter Miami will win the Supporters’ Shield, marking the team with the best regular season record in the MLS.

The United States is hosting the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time, with a whopping 32 teams taking part, up from seven in the 2023 edition.

Inter Miami’s issue is not confirmed by FIFA, but there will likely be clarity soon via GiveMeSport.

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

Lionel Messi could take part in a global club tournament again at next summer’s Club World Cup

Manchester City have qualified for the tournament and are likely to be among the favorites

Two Premier League teams, Manchester City and Chelsea, are also set to take part in the competition after winning the UEFA Champions League trophies in 2023 and 2021 respectively.

There are some who believe that the vacant host spot would go to this year’s MLS Cup winner, which could still be Inter Miami.

Only two of the 32 spots in the competition are not yet filled: the “host” and the winner of this year’s Copa Libertadores tournament, which will crown a winner on November 30.

A European team has won the tournament every year since 2012, when Brazilian team Corinthians beat Chelsea in the final.

Inter Miami always seemed like a good choice for the host role, with the addition of Messi to the squad bringing with it one of the world’s best soccer stars.

The opening game of the tournament could take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, fulfilling Inter Miami’s hosting duties.