Messi Set to Clash With Former Club PSG as Inter Miami Advance in Club World Cup
Lionel Messi is set for a high-stakes reunion with his former team Paris Saint-Germain after Inter Miami battled to a 2-2 draw against Palmeiras, securing a place in the last 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The tense Group A match at Hard Rock Stadium saw Miami surge ahead with goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez, only to be denied top spot as Palmeiras mounted a late comeback with strikes from Paulinho and Mauricio in the final 10 minutes.
Despite letting a two-goal lead slip, the result ensured both Miami and Palmeiras qualified for the knockout rounds. Miami now brace for a major test against European champions PSG, while Palmeiras prepare for an all-Brazilian clash with Botafogo.
Messi’s Milestone Match
The upcoming tie in Atlanta holds special meaning for Messi, who turns 38 on Tuesday and will face PSG for the first time since leaving the club in 2023. The Argentine legend’s performance against Palmeiras demonstrated his continued influence, orchestrating play alongside Sergio Busquets and Federico Redondo in a midfield trio that dominated the first half.
Miami’s Unexpected Success
Few predicted Inter Miami would advance in a group that included South American giants and European contenders. But under coach Javier Mascherano, the MLS side stunned the football world, first by defeating Porto and then holding Palmeiras.
“It’s a historic night for MLS. Inter Miami is now among the top 16 teams in the world,” said Mascherano. “We showed we can compete with elite clubs.”
Match Highlights
- 16’ – Suarez controls a long ball and sets up Allende for a composed finish to make it 1-0.
- 65’ – Suarez adds a second with a vintage solo run and top-corner strike.
- 80’ & 87’ – Palmeiras turn the tide with late goals from Paulinho and Mauricio, capitalizing on Miami’s defensive lapses.
Miami dominated much of the play, with Messi testing goalkeeper Weverton and Allende nearly scoring a second. However, Palmeiras’ late pressure paid off as they clawed back a crucial point.
Reactions from Both Camps
Mascherano acknowledged a mix of pride and disappointment:
“We had the game in our hands. But before the tournament, if someone told me we’d perform like this against teams like Palmeiras, I would’ve taken it.”
Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira slammed his side’s poor first half:
“I told the players at halftime—anything would be better than what we did. The second-half spirit saved us.”
What’s Next
Inter Miami now prepares for their toughest challenge yet as they take on PSG, a club stacked with European talent and a team that Messi knows all too well. The match will test the MLS side’s resilience and offer fans a nostalgic showdown.
