Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi (C) fights for the ball with Palmeiras' Brazilian midfielder #30 Lucas Evangelista (2nd L) and Palmeiras' Brazilian defender #03 Bruno Fuchs (2nd R) during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group A football match between US Inter Miami and Brazil's Palmeiras at the Hard Rock stadium in Miami on June 23, 2025. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP)
Lionel Messi is set to face his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, after guiding Inter Miami into the last 16 of the Club World Cup following a 2-2 draw against Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium.
Inter Miami looked set for another upset after goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez gave them a 2-0 lead. However, Palmeiras fought back with late goals from Paulinho and Mauricio to salvage a draw, in a result that sees both teams advance from the group stage.
Few expected Miami to progress, but they now face a tough challenge against European champions PSG. Palmeiras, meanwhile, will take on Brazilian rivals Botafogo.
The match in Atlanta will mark Messi’s first meeting with PSG since his departure in 2023. Coincidentally, the fixture falls just before his 38th birthday.
“It’s a historic night for MLS. Inter Miami is among the world’s top 16 teams, and the entire league should be proud,” said Miami head coach Javier Mascherano.
Elsewhere, Egyptian side Al Ahly and Portugal’s Porto were eliminated despite a thrilling 4-4 draw in New Jersey.
In front of a 60,000-strong crowd, Palmeiras started brightly with Gustavo Gomez testing Miami keeper Oscar Ustari early on. But it was Miami who struck first, with Suarez expertly chesting down a long ball for Allende, who sprinted clear and finished past Weverton.
Palmeiras struggled to contain Messi, who orchestrated much of Miami’s attacking play alongside Sergio Busquets and Federico Redondo. Despite limited chances, the Brazilian side nearly pulled one back before the break, but Facundo Torres missed a clear opportunity.
Messi’s first real attempt came after halftime with a low strike that was well saved. Allende also came close before Suarez doubled the lead in the 65th minute, weaving past two defenders and smashing the ball into the top corner.
A win would have secured top spot and a potentially easier draw for Miami, but Palmeiras hit back. Paulinho scored in the 80th minute after a slick pass from Allan Andrade, and Mauricio netted the equalizer in the 87th, capitalizing on a loose ball from a Maxi Falcon header.
“It was a great game. Facing one of South America’s top sides and playing like this, it’s something we can be proud of,” Mascherano added.
Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira admitted his team were poor in the first half but praised their second-half spirit. “At halftime, I told the players it couldn’t get any worse. We failed to press or control the game early on. But our determination in the second half made the difference,” he said.
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