A Long-Declared Inter Supporter

Ahead of the highly anticipated second leg between Inter Milan and Barcelona, FIFA president Gianni Infantino took the spotlight at the Miami Grand Prix to once again express his admiration for the Italian club, a team that he has openly supported for years.

During his media appearance at the event, Infantino was asked which side he would be cheering for in the UEFA Champions League semifinal. Without hesitation, he smiled and reaffirmed his loyalty: “Everyone knows I’m an Inter fan.” His response came just days before Tuesday’s massive showdown at the Giuseppe Meazza, where two of Europe’s most storied clubs will battle for a place in the final, following a breathtaking 3-3 draw in the first leg played at Montjuïc.

Infantino’s bond with the Nerazzurri runs deep. This isn't a recent fascination — his support for the club is longstanding and well-documented. His connection to Inter dates back to his time as UEFA general secretary, when the club enjoyed one of the most iconic moments in its modern history. Under the leadership of José Mourinho, Inter lifted the Champions League trophy in 2010 after defeating Bayern Munich 2-0 in the final at the Santiago Bernabéu, thanks to a brace from Diego Milito. That triumph sealed a historic treble for the club and left a lasting impression on European football — and clearly, on Infantino.

“Inter Is the Team of the Argentinians”

In addition to reaffirming his support, Infantino took a moment to recognize the impact of some of Inter’s most influential players, both past and present. When asked about the significance of Lautaro Martínez, who has been fighting to recover from injury in time for the second leg, Infantino responded with a phrase that encapsulates the club’s legacy: “Inter is the team of the Argentinians.”

His remark wasn’t just about Lautaro. It was a nod to a rich tradition of Argentine talent at the club, a list that includes legends like Javier Zanetti, who captained Inter during their treble-winning campaign, and Diego Milito, the hero of that 2010 final. Today, Lautaro is seen as the latest standard-bearer of that lineage — and his possible absence on Tuesday is a major storyline heading into the match.

Though his availability remains uncertain, the striker is doing everything possible to be fit, even if it’s just to make the bench and provide a late-game option for Simone Inzaghi. On the other side of the pitch, Barcelona has received a boost with the return of Robert Lewandowski, who is back in Hansi Flick’s squad after recovering from a muscle injury. Yet, the German coach also faces a decision: stick with the experienced Polish forward or give the nod to Ferran Torres, whose recent performances have made a strong case for a starting role.

With less than 24 hours to go, anticipation continues to build. Tuesday’s match at San Siro promises to be electric. While tactics, lineups, and moments of brilliance will ultimately decide who advances to the final in Munich, Gianni Infantino’s outspoken support for Inter adds another layer of intrigue to an already historic clash. As fans from around the world get ready to tune in, the stage is set for one of the biggest nights of the season in European football.