Lionel Messi is set to face his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, in the FIFA Club World Cup after Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Palmeiras, securing a spot in the knockout stages.
A draw was enough for both teams to advance, and Inter Miami took a commanding 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez in front of 60,914 fans at Hard Rock Stadium.
However, Palmeiras made a comeback, scoring two goals in the last 10 minutes from Paulinho and Mauricio, allowing them to top Group A on goal difference.
Inter Miami finished second, setting up a clash with PSG, where Messi played from 2021 to 2023.
In another Group A match, Egyptian team Al Ahly conceded a last-minute equalizer, resulting in a 4-4 draw with Porto.
Wessam Ali’s hat-trick for Al Ahly was matched by goals from Rodrigo Mora, William, and Samu Aghehowa, before Mohamed Romdhane put Al Ahly ahead 4-3 in the 64th minute.
However, Brazilian winger Pepe’s late equalizer at Metlife Stadium meant both teams ended the group stage with two points each.
Despite a relatively quiet performance, Suarez, the 38-year-old Uruguayan striker, still made a significant impact with two key plays.
He assisted Allende’s opening goal by chesting the ball to him and later scored a brilliant left-footed half-volley from a tight angle to make it 2-0.
Palmeiras fought back, but Suarez was awarded the player-of-the-match title.
The main highlight of the tournament was FIFA’s decision to grant the host nation’s qualifying spot to Inter Miami, which many interpreted as a move to ensure Messi’s participation, one of football’s most celebrated figures.
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Inter Miami proved its worth by becoming the only U.S. team to reach the knockout stage, while Los Angeles FC and the Seattle Sounders were eliminated.
With Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023, now preparing for an exciting reunion with PSG, tournament organizers likely feel they made the right choice.
“We’ve achieved our goal of qualifying for the round of 16,” said Inter head coach Javier Mascherano.
“Even though we’re up against arguably the best team in Europe, the Champions League winners, we will approach the match with humility and seriousness. This sport has shown us that anything can happen.”
PSG secured their knockout stage spot by defeating the Seattle Sounders 2-0, finishing as the winners of Group B.
Throughout his career, Messi’s teams have advanced from all 33 group stages they have participated in.
