Lionel Messi is poised for a high-stakes reunion with former club Paris Saint-Germain after Inter Miami secured a spot in the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Palmeiras.
The Brazilian side mounted a late comeback at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, cancelling out earlier goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez to claim a crucial point. The result ensured progression for both teams, with Inter Miami now set to face European champions PSG, while Palmeiras will meet fellow Brazilian side Botafogo in the next round.
Few had predicted Inter Miami’s advancement from Group A, but the MLS club’s strong tournament run has been a surprise package. For Messi, who turns 38 on Tuesday, the upcoming clash in Atlanta marks the first time he will face PSG since departing the French club in 2023.
“It’s a historic night for MLS,” said Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano. “We are among the best 16 teams in the world, and all of MLS should be proud.”
The match saw a fast-paced opening with Palmeiras nearly scoring early through Gustavo Gomez, only for Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari to make a crucial save. Miami responded in the 16th minute as Suarez brilliantly set up Allende, who sprinted through and finished clinically.
The Brazilian side struggled to contain Miami’s midfield, where Messi, Busquets, and Redondo controlled the tempo. Suarez doubled the lead in the 65th minute with a vintage solo effort, beating two defenders before firing into the top corner.
However, Palmeiras struck back with goals in the 80th and 87th minutes. Substitute Paulinho finished off a clever Allan Andrade pass, and Mauricio leveled the match after a defensive lapse left him unmarked.
Despite the disappointment of losing top spot in the group, Mascherano praised his side’s overall performance. “It’s tough to draw like that, but playing at this level against these teams is something I would’ve gladly taken before the tournament,” he said.
Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira was blunt in his halftime assessment, calling his team’s first-half display “unacceptable,” but he credited their second-half fightback. “We showed the character needed to stay in the competition,” he said.
Meanwhile, Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Portugal’s FC Porto bowed out after a thrilling 4-4 draw in New Jersey failed to produce a clear qualifier.
