Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are through to the knockout stages of the FIFA Club World Cup after a tense 2-2 draw with Brazil’s Palmeiras at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The match, watched by over 60,000 fans, saw Inter race into a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez before a late Palmeiras comeback changed the group standings.
Allende opened the scoring after chest control and an assist from Suárez, while the Uruguayan veteran doubled the lead with a stunning left-footed half-volley from a tight angle just past the hour mark. However, Palmeiras clawed back into the game, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes through Paulinho and Mauricio to finish as Group A winners on goal difference.
Despite the draw, the result was enough for both sides to progress. Inter Miami’s second-place finish sets up a blockbuster last-16 tie between Messi and his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, the current UEFA Champions League holders.
Messi to Face PSG in Club World Cup Showdown
All eyes will now turn to Atlanta on June 29, where Lionel Messi will meet Paris Saint-Germain—his former team from 2021 to 2023—in one of the most highly anticipated fixtures of the tournament. PSG topped Group B after a comfortable 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders, while Inter Miami’s progression from Group A confirms their place as the tournament’s host nation representatives.
The decision to include Inter Miami as the United States’ sole participant—a move widely interpreted as a strategic choice to ensure Messi’s involvement—now appears justified. Head coach Javier Mascherano praised his team’s achievement, saying:
“We’ve achieved the goal we set for ourselves at the start of this tournament, which was to qualify for the round of 16. Despite the fact we’re facing arguably the best team in Europe, the Champions League winners, we’ll approach it with humility and seriousness.”
The matchup not only reignites Messi’s connection with PSG but also pits the Argentine icon against one of the tournament favorites in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Luis Suárez the Decisive Figure Despite Palmeiras Comeback
While Messi prepares to face his old club, it was fellow veteran Luis Suárez who stole the spotlight in Miami. At 38, the former Barcelona and Liverpool striker showed his enduring class, contributing a clever assist and a brilliant goal to keep Inter in control for most of the game.
Suárez’s first moment of magic came when he expertly chested a high ball into the path of Allende, who struck cleanly to open the scoring. He then doubled Inter’s lead in style, hammering home a left-footed half-volley into the top corner. Despite Palmeiras’ late goals spoiling Inter’s win, Suárez was named Player of the Match for his critical influence.
Palmeiras’ spirited comeback, led by substitute Paulinho and Mauricio, ultimately won them the group on goal difference, and they now move on to face Brazilian rivals Botafogo in Philadelphia on June 28.
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Messi to Face Former Club PSG in Club World Cup Knockout Clash
Elsewhere in Group A, Egyptian side Al Ahly played out a sensational 4-4 draw with Portuguese club Porto at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Wessam Ali netted a hat-trick for the African giants, but it was not enough as defensive lapses allowed Porto to claw back into the game.
Goals from Rodrigo Mora, William, and Samu Aghehowa matched Al Ahly stride for stride before Mohamed Romdhane restored the lead in the 64th minute. However, in the dying moments, Brazilian winger Pepe equalised for Porto with a powerful strike in the 89th minute. The draw meant both sides ended with two points and crashed out of the tournament.
The result marked another heartbreaking exit for Al Ahly, despite an impressive attacking display that saw them score four times in a high-octane affair.
Messi’s Remarkable Record and What Lies Ahead
As Inter Miami prepare for a historic clash against PSG, one statistic highlights Lionel Messi’s extraordinary consistency: teams featuring the Argentine legend have progressed from the group stage in all 33 tournaments he has played in over his career.
That record now carries into the Club World Cup, where Messi hopes to lead Inter Miami deeper into the competition. With his reunion against PSG looming and knockout football underway, the stage is set for more drama, legacy-defining performances, and potentially one more trophy in the twilight of Messi’s illustrious career.
Meanwhile, Palmeiras and Botafogo gear up for an all-Brazilian duel in Philadelphia on June 28, while fans worldwide await the next chapter in Messi’s storied journey on June 29 in Atlanta.
