Messi set for PSG reunion as Inter Miami progress with Palmeiras draw –

Inter Miami have advanced to the knockout stages of the FIFA Club World Cup, setting up a tantalizing last-16 encounter between Lionel Messi and his former club, Paris St-Germain.

A 2-2 draw with Brazilian side Palmeiras on Monday was enough for both clubs to progress from Group A. Inter Miami appeared to be cruising to victory and top spot in the group after goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez gave them a 2-0 lead in front of 60,914 fans at Hard Rock Stadium.

However, Palmeiras staged a late comeback, with Paulinho and Mauricio scoring in the final 10 minutes to level the match. The draw ensured the Brazilian club finished as group winners on goal difference, with Inter Miami progressing as runners-up.

Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, 38, was a standout performer for Miami, assisting Allende’s opening goal before scoring a clinical left-footed half-volley to make it 2-0 just after the hour mark.

“We’ve achieved the goal we set for ourselves at the start of this tournament, which was to qualify for the round of 16,” said Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano. “Despite the fact we’re facing arguably the best team in Europe, the Champions League winners, we’ll try to approach it with the same humility and the same seriousness. If there’s one thing this sport has shown us, it’s that anything can happen in a match.”

Inter Miami’s progression makes them the only team from the United States to reach the knockout phase, after both Los Angeles FC and the Seattle Sounders were eliminated. The club was awarded the host nation’s qualifying spot, a decision widely interpreted as a move to ensure Messi’s participation.

In the group’s other fixture, Egyptian side Al Ahly and Portuguese club FC Porto played out a dramatic 4-4 draw at MetLife Stadium, a result which eliminated both teams from the competition. Wessam Ali scored a hat-trick for Al Ahly, but a late equaliser from Pepe secured a point for Porto.

Inter Miami will now face reigning European champions Paris St-Germain in Atlanta on Sunday, June 29. The match will be the first time Messi has faced the French club since his departure in 2023. Palmeiras will play fellow Brazilian side Botafogo in Philadelphia in their last-16 tie.