FIFA sparks controversy by lining up Barcelona for Club World Cup: Could Lionel Messi and Inter Miami battle Hansi Flick’s side?

The anticipation for the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup—set to take place in the United States this summer—is already building, but controversy looms as FIFA scrambles to fill the final vacant slot following the disqualification of Mexican side Club Leon. As global soccer’s governing body deliberates on the next steps, whispers of a potential replacement have already sent ripples through the soccer world.

Initially qualified through their 2023 CONCACAF Champions League triumph, Club Leon saw their invitation rescinded due to multi-club ownership rules. The team is owned by Grupo Pachuca, which also owns fellow Mexican participant Pachuca, prompting FIFA to act over concerns of a conflict of interest.

Although Club Leon has lodged an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), a decision is not expected until May. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has already signaled that contingency plans are in place should the CAS uphold the original ruling.

“In a couple of weeks, we will have the final and definitive decision, we will respect any decision,”Infantino stated. “If CAS confirms the decision of the Appeals Committee, FIFA’s intention is to play a match, a playoff, between the team that lost the final of the CONCACAF Champions League, LAFC, and the next team in the ranking, which is Club America.”

This solution seemed straightforward until fresh reports from Mexico added a twist—the possible inclusion of Barcelona, one of world soccer’s biggest names.

Surprise twist in the tale

Barcelona had missed out on qualification for the Club World Cup due to a run of underwhelming European performances between 2021 and 2024. Devastating defeats—such as 5-2 and 6-4 losses to Paris Saint-Germain—badly affected their UEFA coefficient, allowing Atletico Madrid to snatch Spain’s second spot behind Real Madrid.

This exclusion was more than just sporting disappointment—it was a significant financial blow. Participation alone in the newly expanded Club World Cup brings lucrative benefits, money that Barcelona desperately needs amid their ongoing financial recovery efforts.

However, according to Mexican journalist David Faitelson, there are active conversations in FIFA’s Zurich headquarters about inviting Barcelona to fill the 32nd spot. “Barcelona are being considered as a candidate to replace Mexico’s Club Leon,” he claimed in a report. “Their inclusion would certainly provide both sporting and financial appeal.”

Indeed, this development could be transformative for the Catalan club. If FIFA extends an invitation, the Catalans may shelve their planned pre-season tour of Asia, choosing instead to pursue the greater financial reward of competing in the United States.

Could Messi and Barcelona meet in the competition?

While nothing has been confirmed, The Blaugrana’s group placement—should they be invited—has been earmarked as Group D. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will participate in Group A, setting up a tantalizing narrative for the later stages.

Yes, that’s right—Lionel Messi could face his former club, Barcelona, but only in the knockout phase, as group assignments would keep the two teams apart in the early rounds.

Barcelona’s inclusion would not only add a significant commercial and media buzz to the tournament but would also restore a sense of elite prestige. The 32-team lineup already includes European giants such as Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter, and Juventus. Adding Barcelona would undoubtedly bolster the spectacle.