OFFICIAL: FIFA does not recognize Messi's title

Inter Miami beat New York City 5-1 to claim their first MLS Eastern Conference title, yet Messi has not been awarded the honor because FIFA does not recognize the regional championship.

Inter Miami has defeated New York City with a 5-1 scoreline on the morning of November 30, becoming MLS Eastern Conference champions for the first time in history.

Tadeo Allende opened the scoring in the 14th minute and further made an impact with another goal in the 23rd minute assisted by Jordi Alba. NYCFC responded in the 37th minute with a goal from Justin Haak set up by Maxi Moralez.

However, the visitors' joy was short-lived. In the 67th minute, Mateo Silvetti extended the lead to 3-1 with a goal assisted by Lionel Messi. Then in the 83rd minute, Telasco Segovia sealed the dominant performance with another goal following an excellent pass from Alba, but Inter Miami was not finished yet.

Just before the final whistle in the 89th minute, Allende completed his hat-trick, concluding a crushing victory for the team nicknamed “The Herons” to officially claim the Eastern Conference title.

Nevertheless, theoretically, Lionel Messi has not yet added this title to his collection. FIFA does not recognize the MLS Eastern Conference championship, so Messi and his teammates must win the MLS Cup final for the title to be officially acknowledged.

FIFA acknowledges the winner of the Eastern Conference playoff round, but the official championship title of the league remains the MLS Cup. At the federation level, the Eastern Conference championship is considered a conference achievement, while the only trophy counted as a season championship is the MLS Cup.

Therefore, in the official title statistics, the MLS Cup is prioritized, while regional titles are not regarded as major honors outside the MLS context.

If Inter Miami wins on December 6, Messi will reach his 47th official career title.

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