Despite not qualifying for the Major League Soccer playoffs, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami was selected to represent the league in the upcoming Club World Cup by winning the Supporters’ Shield. This decision aimed to enhance visibility and star power for the expanded global tournament. However, it left a sour taste for many. Particularly USMNT legend Alexi Lalas, who expressed his discontent quite vigorously.

On his podcast, Lalas expressed that the right to play at the Club World Cup should be determined by the MLS Cup. He believes that Inter Miami’s selection was driven by global appeal than actual sporting merit. It highlighted the uncomfortable issues at the crossroads of business, entertainment, and competitive integrity in the sport. “I think that the team that wins MLS Cup is the champion. MLS Cup trumps the Supporter Shield and I think that if you are picking a team to represent Major League Soccer in next summer’s Club World Cup, it should be the champion of your league,” Lalas said.

Lalas’ frustration is warranted. He didn’t entirely dismiss the Supporters’ Shield, which honors consistent excellence throughout the season. What truly bothered him was the ambiguity and lack of foresight in how this season’s incentives were laid out. To him and many others, it felt as if the rules were being altered mid-game, a situation that fundamentally contradicts the essence of fair competition.

His co-host, David Mosse, shared his concerns, questioning why such a significant decision wasn’t communicated at the beginning of the season. “If the Supporters’ Shield was this invitation, then everybody should know about that,” he stressed.

For many, this created a significant gap in transparency and undermined the competitive integrity of MLS’s framework. Nevertheless, we can’t deny the influence of Lionel Messi in this decision by the MLS as controversy continues to erupt.

The ‘Lionel Messi Factor’ and the shadow of controversy

Lionel Messi’s arrival in Miami has undeniably brought a wave of attention to MLS. With ticket sales soaring and viewership on the rise, Messi has transformed a domestic league into a global behemoth. However, Lalas argues that Inter Miami’s invitation to the Club World Cup, despite a disappointing season, sets a troubling precedent. It suggests that star power can overshadow actual sporting merit, which undermines the core values of any competitive league.

This decision has also raised questions on an international scale. While it may fit FIFA’s goal of boosting the Club World Cup’s visibility, using a player as prominent as Messi for promotional purposes feels somewhat transactional for many. What should be a showcase for the best teams has turned into a means of maximizing exposure. “I understand what they’re doing,” Lalas acknowledged, “but they should have been upfront about it…everyone needs to know what’s at stake.”

Supporters say Messi’s presence is more than just sport; it could change everything. However, this doesn’t provide solace to teams that fought hard for top MLS spots. They feel their efforts are now less valuable, overshadowed by the league’s focus on superstars. Lalas’s insistence on recognizing the importance of the MLS Cup means preserving a sense of fairness. “If you tell me that you won the MLS Cup,” “that’s much more important to me,” Lalas declared. 

Despite the ongoing controversy, the MLS remains steadfast, believing that Messi’s star power and influence will outweigh any complaints. For individuals like Lalas, who have worked hard to raise the league from its early days, this issue goes beyond just a discussion about invitations. It’s about safeguarding the essence of a competition founded on merit, hard work, and, crucially, a clear grasp of what’s at stake.