Messi Set for PSG Reunion as Inter Miami Progress to Club World Cup Last 16

Lionel Messi is set for a dramatic reunion with his former club Paris Saint-Germain after Inter Miami secured a place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup with a 2-2 draw against Brazilian champions Palmeiras on Monday night.

In front of a vibrant crowd of 60,914 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami looked poised for a second upset of the tournament after taking a 2-0 lead through goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez. But Palmeiras struck twice in the final 10 minutes, with Paulinho and Mauricio ensuring a share of the spoils and progression for both sides.

The result means Miami, making their debut in the expanded tournament, will now face European champions PSG in Atlanta—a match that will mark Messi’s first encounter with his former team since leaving the French club for the United States in 2023. The fixture will also fall just days after Messi’s 38th birthday.

Despite low expectations heading into the competition, Inter Miami defied the odds to advance out of the group stage, leaving behind Porto and Egyptian giants Al Ahly, who were eliminated following a thrilling 4-4 draw in New Jersey.

Miami’s performance reflected both tactical maturity and attacking flair. Allende opened the scoring in the 16th minute after Suarez brilliantly chested a long pass into his path, allowing the Argentine midfielder to sprint past the Palmeiras defence and slot home confidently.

With Messi orchestrating play from deep and combining well with Sergio Busquets and Federico Redondo, Miami dominated possession in the first half, limiting Palmeiras to few clear chances.

Suarez doubled the lead in the 65th minute with a vintage solo effort, dribbling past two defenders before unleashing a fierce strike into the top corner.

But as Miami appeared headed for top spot in the group—which would have allowed them to avoid a clash with PSG—Palmeiras mounted a late comeback. Paulinho pulled one back in the 80th minute after a clever reverse pass from Allan Andrade, before Mauricio pounced on a loose ball in the 87th minute to fire home the equaliser.

Despite conceding late, Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised his players. “It’s a historic night for MLS, because we are into the best 16 teams in the world,” he told DAZN. “We played with heart. These kinds of games are more intense than what we’re used to in the domestic league, but we tried to progress with the ball by playing football.”

Palmeiras will now face Botafogo in an all-Brazilian showdown, while all eyes turn to Atlanta, where Messi will lead Miami into a high-profile clash with his former employers.