section_path: Criticism/Selection of Inter Miami CF
section_name: Selection of Inter Miami CF
paragraph_text: Selection of Inter Miami CF
  
  As with previous editions of the FIFA Club World Cup, the new format allocated a slot reserved for the host nation. Traditionally, this slot is filled by the defending champion of the host nation. The champion of Major League Soccer is determined by a postseason playoff rather than the regular season record (in the case of the 2024 season, it was the LA Galaxy). The exact qualification method had been left undetermined for an extended period of time into the 2024 regular season. At the mid-season MLS All-Star Game, league commissioner Don Garber suggested that the spot could be filled with the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield winner, the MLS Cup 2024 winner, or a possible playoff between them.
  
  On October 19, 2024, FIFA announced that the final slot would be given to Inter Miami CF as winners of the 2024 Supporters' Shield, prior to the beginning of the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs and after Inter Miami CF had already won the Shield. The rationale for this was considered to be because the Club World Cup has traditionally taken the host champions through who won silverware in the "league setting." FIFA explained that it chose the Supporters' Shield winner because that award reflects a league setting, as opposed to MLS Cup. It also stated that it made the decision prior to Inter Miami's win, but could not announce it until regulations were approved in pre-scheduled conventions.
  
  This decision came under criticism from fans and media pundits for its lack of transparency, lack of qualification by traditional sporting merit, and as an attempt to court sponsors by ensuring that Lionel Messi would feature in the tournament. On November 10, 2024, Inter Miami CF was eliminated from the MLS Cup playoffs by Atlanta United FC in the first round. Despite this, then-Inter Miami CF head coach Gerardo Martino defended the selection of the team, arguing that the Supporters' Shield was enough justification for selection.