Sao Viet

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami just won the MLS Eastern Conference, but it was not recognized by FIFA as an official title.

—

by

Binh
in

Why FIFA Doesn’t Count Lionel Messi & Inter Miami’s Eastern Conference Championship As an Official Title?

While Inter Miami’s Eastern Conference crown marks a historic milestone, global recognition hinges on securing the upcoming MLS Cup.

Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi accepts the trophy from Inter Miami's managing owner Jorge Mas (L) after his team's victory in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Eastern Conference final football match between Inter Miami and New York City FC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 29, 2025. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami reached the MLS Cup final for the first time on November 29, 2025 after a 5-1 thrashing of New York City FC in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Inter Miami’s Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi accepts the trophy from Inter Miami’s managing owner Jorge Mas (L) after his team’s victory in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Eastern Conference final football match between Inter Miami and New York City FC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 29, 2025. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami reached the MLS Cup final for the first time on November 29, 2025 after a 5-1 thrashing of New York City FC in the Eastern Conference playoffs.hoto 

Inter Miami CF defeated New York City FC 5-1 on Saturday, Nov. 29, becoming the MLS Eastern Conference champions for the first time in its history.

Tadeo Allende opened the scoring in the 14th minute and would appear again in the 23rd minute, assisted by Jordi Alba. NYCFC reacted in the 37th minute with a goal from Justin Haak, assisted by Maxi Moralez.

The joy would not last long for the away side, as in the 67th minute, Mateo Silvetti extended the lead with a goal assisted by Lionel Messi. In the 83rd minute, Telasco Segovia sealed the rout with another great assist from Alba, but things did not end there.

Just before the final whistle, in the 89th minute, Allende completed his hat trick. A crushing victory for the Herons to crown themselves Conference champions.

However, in strict theory, Messi is not adding a new title to his record.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF lifts the Champions' trophy.

 

Why FIFA Doesn’t Officially Count Lionel Messi & Inter Miami’s Eastern Conference Champions Title?

FIFA does not recognize the MLS Eastern Conference championship title, so Messi and company will have to secure the MLS Cup to officially count one more title.

FIFA recognizes the winner of the Eastern side in the playoffs, but the official league championship is the MLS Cup. At the federative level, it is counted as a conference achievement, while the only trophy that the league crowns as season champion is the MLS Cup.

Therefore, in the record books, the league title is prioritized, and conference titles are not considered major trophies outside the framework of MLS.

If Inter Miami is crowned champion on Dec. 6, Messi would reach his official title number 47 in his career.