Lionel Messi is set for a blockbuster reunion with his former club Paris Saint-Germain after guiding Inter Miami into the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup. The MLS side secured qualification with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Palmeiras at a packed Hard Rock Stadium on Monday.
Inter Miami raced to a two-goal lead thanks to Tadeo Allende and a vintage strike from Luis Suarez, but the Brazilian side mounted a late comeback with goals from Paulinho and Mauricio in the final ten minutes to earn a crucial point. Despite the draw, both Miami and Palmeiras progress from the group stage, while Al Ahly and Porto are eliminated.
The result sets up a highly anticipated clash between Inter Miami and PSG in Atlanta, where Messi will face the club he left in 2023. Miami, widely considered underdogs, have surprised many with their performances, including a win over Porto earlier in the tournament.
The match began with Palmeiras on the front foot, but Inter Miami took control when Suarez expertly chested a long ball into the path of Allende, who beat the offside trap and finished with composure in the 16th minute. With Messi orchestrating play from deep alongside Sergio Busquets and Federico Redondo, Miami dominated possession and limited Palmeiras’ chances. Messi’s first real chance came shortly after halftime with a low shot that was well saved by Weverton.
Suarez doubled the lead in the 65th minute with a spectacular solo goal, weaving past defenders before blasting into the top corner. Miami appeared on course to top the group and avoid facing PSG, but Palmeiras had other ideas. Paulinho pulled one back in the 80th minute after a clever assist from Allan Andrade, and Mauricio struck the equalizer in the 87th, firing into the far corner after a failed clearance.
Miami head coach Javier Mascherano praised his team’s historic achievement. “It’s a historic night for MLS. All of the league should be proud of Inter Miami. We played with heart and tried to dominate with the ball. These matches are more intense than what we’re used to in MLS,” he told DAZN.
Miami now look ahead to the next round and a headline-grabbing match that pits Messi against Kylian Mbappé and PSG a fixture brimming with history and global interest. For Messi, who just turned 38, it marks a return to the highest level of club football, with a chance to lead an MLS team deep into uncharted territory.
