Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup journey is already a financial triumph—and the knockout stage hasn’t even started.
Led by Lionel Messi, Inter Miami have earned over $21 million from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, showcasing the immense value of participating in the tournament. Their success in the group stage, including a historic win over Porto, a draw with Al Ahly, and a 2–2 result against Palmeiras, propelled them to second place in Group A and a coveted spot in the Round of 16.
They now face European champions Paris Saint-Germain—Messi’s former club—on June 29 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Inter Miami’s Club World Cup Prize Money Breakdown
Inter Miami’s impressive financial rewards from the tournament include:
- $9.55 million for being the host club
- $1 million from the Al Ahly draw
- $2 million for defeating Porto
- $1 million from the Palmeiras draw
- $7.5 million for qualifying to the Round of 16
Total earnings so far: $21.05 million
And if Inter Miami beats PSG, they’ll earn an additional $13.125 million for reaching the quarterfinals. The deeper they go, the richer the rewards.
Messi’s Influence and the High Stakes vs PSG
At 38 years old, Lionel Messi continues to be the driving force behind Inter Miami. The upcoming match against PSG is not just a battle for glory—it’s also a rematch between Messi and his former club. The global spotlight on the Inter Miami vs PSG matchup only amplifies the narrative.
For Miami, the game is a “free hit”—the financial gain has already exceeded expectations, and a victory would elevate the club’s status even further on the international stage.
FIFA Club World Cup vs MLS: A Massive Financial Gap
The FIFA Club World Cup prize pool of $1 billion dwarfs anything Major League Soccer offers. For context, Inter Miami earned nothing in the 2024 MLS playoffs after being eliminated in Round 1. Atlanta United, who advanced, received just $20,000—highlighting the enormous gap in earnings between the two competitions.
This tournament is proving to be a game-changer for MLS clubs, showing how global competitions can reshape club economics.
Global Impact: Auckland City’s Unexpected Payday
It’s not just Miami benefiting. Auckland City, a semi-pro team from Oceania, earned $3.58 million just for participating—more than five times their previous annual revenue of $660,000 USD. This underscores the transformative nature of the expanded tournament for smaller, non-European clubs.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
All eyes now turn to Inter Miami vs PSG on June 29. The clash will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and could mark a new chapter in Inter Miami’s rise as a global brand. Win or lose, the club has already secured its biggest payday in history.
Conclusion:
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has already proven to be a historic success for Inter Miami, both financially and competitively. With Lionel Messi leading the charge and a massive prize on the line, the Round of 16 showdown against PSG could further cement Miami’s place on the global football stage.
