Messi Set for PSG Showdown as Inter Miami Reach Club World Cup Knockouts

Lionel Messi is set for a blockbuster reunion with his former club Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup last 16, after both Inter Miami and PSG sealed their spots in the knockout stage on Monday night.

It was a dramatic evening at Hard Rock Stadium, where Inter Miami looked to be cruising after goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez gave them a 2-0 lead over Palmeiras. The atmosphere was buzzing, and for a while, it seemed Messi and company would finish top of Group A. But Palmeiras had other ideas. Paulinho pulled one back in the 80th minute, and Mauricio found the equalizer just before full-time, securing a 2-2 draw. That late fightback earned Palmeiras the top spot in the group on goal difference, while Miami had to settle for second. Both teams advanced with five points apiece, while Al-Ahly and Porto bowed out after their wild 4-4 draw. 

Now, things get spicy. Miami will face PSG next, setting up a reunion with not just Messi’s old club, but also his former coach Luis Enrique—the man who led Barcelona to a historic treble in 2015. The tie also reunites Enrique with several of his former players including Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano.  

“We're talking about the champions of Europe,” Alba said. “We know many of their players and their coach, who I was lucky enough to have coach me, and I've always said he is the best in the world. I will connect with good friends there but once the game starts, we will compete, try to beat them, and why can't we do it? This is football.” Mascherano, meanwhile, was full of pride for what Miami have achieved—and what it means for football in the United States. “It’s a historic night for MLS, because we are into the best 16 teams in the world,” he said. “All of the MLS has to be proud of Inter Miami.” 

Inter Miami are flying the flag solo for Major League Soccer, with LAFC and the Seattle Sounders already knocked out. Up next is a huge test against a star-studded PSG—but with Messi, Suarez, and Busquets on board, Miami won’t back down easily.  

Also Read: Atletico Madrid Crash Out of Club World Cup Despite Late Griezmann Goal