Miami: Lionel Messi will face his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, for the first time since leaving them in 2023 after Inter Miami secured a 2-2 draw with Palmeiras to reach the Club World Cup round of 16. The match, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, saw the Brazilian side come back from two goals down in the final 10 minutes, but the draw was enough to send both teams through.
Luis Suarez set up the opening goal in the 16th minute with a brilliant chest pass to Tadeo Allende, who sped past Palmeiras’ defense and slotted past goalkeeper Weverton. Inter Miami dominated possession, with Messi linking up fluidly with Sergio Busquets and Federico Redondo. The second goal came in the 65th minute when Suarez rolled back the years, dribbling past two defenders before smashing the ball into the top corner.
Palmeiras struck back with late goals from Paulinho in the 80th minute and Mauricio in the 87th, capitalizing on defensive lapses. Despite the late setback, Miami had done enough to progress, finishing second in the group behind Palmeiras. The draw also eliminated Porto and Al Ahly, who played out a dramatic 4-4 draw in New Jersey.
Messi, who turns 38 this week, will now face European champions PSG in Atlanta in what promises to be an emotional and high-profile clash. The game will mark his first against the French club since departing for the U.S. Major League Soccer.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised his team’s performance, calling it a “historic night for MLS.” He told DAZN, “We played with heart. These games are more intense than our domestic league, but we tried to play football with personality.”
Six Argentinians started for Inter Miami in front of a 60,000-strong crowd, including many vocal Brazilian fans. While Palmeiras began to slow, they finished strong enough to top the group and set up an all-Brazilian knockout clash with Botafogo.
