Lionel Messi is set to face his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), after helping Inter Miami qualify for the round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Miami earned a 2-2 draw against Brazilian side Palmeiras on Monday night at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The result means both teams have advanced to the knockout stage of the tournament.
Inter Miami looked to be heading for another shock win after goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez gave them a 2-0 lead. But Palmeiras struck back late, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes through Paulinho and Mauricio to earn a draw.
Despite losing their lead, Miami’s performance was enough to secure second place in the group. They will now face European champions PSG in the next round. Palmeiras will take on fellow Brazilian side Botafogo.
For Messi, who turns 38 on Tuesday, the game against PSG will be his first time facing his old club since leaving them in 2023.
“It’s a historic night for the MLS because we are now among the best 16 teams in the world. The entire league should be proud,” said Miami coach Javier Mascherano.
The group’s other match ended in a dramatic 4-4 draw between Egypt’s Al Ahly and Porto. However, both teams were eliminated from the tournament.
At the Hard Rock Stadium, a crowd of over 60,000 watched an exciting match. Palmeiras almost scored early through Gustavo Gomez, but Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made a strong save.
Miami took the lead in the 16th minute. Suárez controlled a long pass and set up Allende, who raced past the defence and scored.
Messi, who played a deeper role, linked up well with teammates Sergio Busquets and Federico Redondo, helping Miami dominate possession.
Palmeiras had a chance before halftime when Facundo Torres found space in the box but shot wide.
In the second half, Messi had a good shot saved, and Allende nearly scored again. Then, in the 65th minute, Suárez made it 2-0 with a brilliant solo goal, beating two defenders before firing into the top corner.
Miami needed a win to avoid facing PSG, but Palmeiras fought back. Paulinho scored in the 80th minute after a clever pass from Allan Andrade. Just three minutes from time, Mauricio equalized with a powerful shot after a loose ball in the box.
“It was a great game. We had the win in our hands, so the feeling is a bit strange. But to play this well against top teams — I’ll take it,” said Mascherano.
Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira admitted his team started poorly but praised their late comeback.
“I told the players at halftime they couldn’t do worse than the first half. We were poor, but in the second half, we showed fighting spirit and it paid off,” he said.
Messi’s upcoming clash with PSG is now one of the most anticipated matches in the tournament’s knockout stage.
