Introduction: Messi Set for Emotional Reunion with Former Club PSG
In a thrilling twist of fate, Lionel Messi will face his former club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as Inter Miami advances to the last 16 of the Club World Cup 2025. The Major League Soccer side secured qualification after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Inter Miami vs Palmeiras: Drama in Group Stage Decider
Inter Miami entered the match needing at least a draw to advance. With star players Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets leading the charge, they initially appeared headed for a convincing win. The home side took a 2-0 lead, but Palmeiras staged a late comeback to snatch a point and ensure both teams progressed.
First Half: Miami Dominate Possession
Palmeiras started strongly with Gustavo Gomez forcing an early save from Miami’s goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. But Miami took control in the 16th minute when Suarez chested down a long ball for Tadeo Allende, who sprinted clear and calmly slotted past Weverton to make it 1-0.
Messi orchestrated Miami’s midfield, linking beautifully with Busquets and Federico Redondo. Palmeiras struggled to contain the attacking fluidity, while Messi narrowly missed with a low shot from the edge of the box early in the second half.
Suarez Rolls Back the Years
In the 65th minute, 38-year-old Luis Suarez dribbled past two defenders and unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner, doubling Miami’s lead. Suarez’s form has been one of the major surprises of the tournament, rekindling memories of his Barcelona days alongside Messi.
Late Drama: Palmeiras Fight Back
Palmeiras, however, refused to go down without a fight. Substitute Paulinho pulled one back in the 80th minute after receiving a delightful reverse pass from Allan Andrade. With just three minutes remaining, Maxi Falcon’s header fell to Mauricio, who made no mistake, rifling into the far corner to level the match at 2-2.
The result ensured both Inter Miami and Palmeiras moved into the knockout stages, while Al Ahly and Porto were eliminated despite their own high-scoring 4-4 draw in New Jersey.
Messi’s Reunion with PSG in Atlanta
With this draw, Messi now faces an emotional reunion with Paris Saint-Germain in Atlanta for the Club World Cup Round of 16. This will mark the first time Messi plays against PSG since departing the French giants in 2023 to join Inter Miami.
For Messi, who just celebrated his 38th birthday, this matchup adds another exciting chapter to his storied career. Facing PSG, European champions and one of the tournament favorites, will be a significant test for Inter Miami.
Mascherano Proud of Inter Miami’s Historic Achievement
Speaking after the match, Miami coach Javier Mascherano expressed pride in his team’s historic achievement:
“It’s an historic night for MLS because we are among the best 16 teams in the world. All of MLS should be proud of Inter Miami. We played with heart, and these kinds of matches are more intense than our domestic league, but we tried to progress with the ball and play our style of football.”
MLS Making Global Strides
Inter Miami’s qualification highlights the growing competitiveness of Major League Soccer on the global stage. With high-profile players like Messi, Suarez, and Busquets bringing international experience, Miami has shown it can compete with top teams from Europe and South America.
The match drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 60,000 fans, many of them Brazilian supporters, showcasing the growing global interest in the Club World Cup 2025 format.
Conclusion: All Eyes on Atlanta Showdown
With Inter Miami advancing, the stage is set for one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament: Lionel Messi vs PSG. Can Miami pull off another upset against one of Europe’s elite? The world will be watching when the action resumes in Atlanta.
Stay updated with all Club World Cup 2025 news, including key matches, upsets, and star performances, right here on The Morning News Informer.
The result ensured both Inter Miami and Palmeiras moved into the knockout stages, while Al Ahly and Porto were eliminated despite their own high-scoring 4-4 draw in New Jersey.
