ATLANTA – Lionel Messi is set for an emotional reunion with his former club Paris Saint-Germain after helping Inter Miami reach the last 16 of the Club World Cup with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Palmeiras at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Inter Miami, boosted by goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez, had looked set for another surprise win following their group-stage victory over Porto. But the Brazilian champions struck back in the final ten minutes with goals from Paulinho and Mauricio to earn a point that sees both teams qualify for the knockout stage.
Few expected Inter Miami to emerge from a tough group, but the draw has now set up a blockbuster tie between the MLS side and European champions PSG in Atlanta — a matchup that will see Messi face the French club for the first time since his departure in 2023. Coincidentally, the Argentine star turns 38 on Tuesday.
“This is a historic night for the MLS,” said Miami head coach Javier Mascherano. “We are into the best 16 teams in the world, and all of MLS should be proud of Inter Miami.”
Palmeiras, meanwhile, will take on domestic rivals Botafogo in the next round.
Miami’s performance drew praise, with the team showcasing flair and confidence against one of South America’s elite clubs. The match attracted a 60,914-strong crowd, with many cheering for Palmeiras, but it was the MLS side that dominated large spells of the game.
Luis Suarez was instrumental throughout, setting up Allende for the opener in the 16th minute and later scoring a sensational solo goal in the 65th. The Uruguayan veteran turned back the clock, beating two defenders before smashing the ball into the top corner.
Palmeiras struggled in the first half, with head coach Abel Ferreira admitting post-match: “I told them at half-time it was impossible to do worse. We couldn’t contain them. But our spirit in the second half paid off.”
Substitute Paulinho sparked the comeback in the 80th minute after a clever reverse pass from Allan Andrade. Then, with just minutes remaining, Mauricio pounced on a loose ball from a Maxi Falcon header to fire home the equaliser.
Despite the missed opportunity to avoid a clash with PSG, Mascherano remained optimistic. “Maybe at the end we had the game in our hands, so the feeling is strange. But if someone had told me before the tournament that we’d put on this kind of performance, I would have signed for it.”
The draw meant Porto and Egyptian giants Al Ahly, who played out a wild 4-4 draw in New Jersey, were both eliminated from the competition.
With Messi now preparing to face his former employers in the next round, all eyes will be on Atlanta for what promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
