Lionel Messi Set to Face PSG as Inter Miami Advances Past Palmeiras in Draw

Lionel Messi will face his former club, Paris Saint-Germain after helping Inter Miami reach the Club World Cup's final 16 with a 2-2 draw against Palmeiras.

Lionel Messi will face his former club, Paris Saint-Germain after helping Inter Miami reach the Club World Cup's final 16 with a 2-2 draw against Palmeiras. The Brazilians rallied from two goals behind to claim a 2-2 draw at Hard Rock Stadium, securing both sides' spots in the knockout stages. Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez scored to put Miami on track for a second surprise victory in the tournament following their success over Porto.

However, the Brazilians scored twice in the final ten minutes, through Paulinho and Mauricio, to ensure their participation in the next round.

Few anticipated Miami to advance from the group round, but they now play the European champions, while Palmeiras will face Botofogo in an all-Brazilian match.

Messi, who turns 38 on Tuesday, will play against his former side, PSG, for the first time since joining Miami in 2023.

Despite a tremendously interesting 4-4 tie at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Egyptian team Al Ahly and Portuguese club Porto were eliminated.

However, the Brazilians scored twice in the final ten minutes, through Paulinho and Mauricio, to secure their place in the next round.

Few anticipated Miami to advance from their group, but they will now face the European champions, while Palmeiras will face Botofogo in an all-Brazilian match.

Messi, who turns 38 on Tuesday, will play against his former club, PSG, for the first time since departing to join Miami in 2023.

Despite a thrilling 4-4 stalemate at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Egyptian team Al Ahly and Portuguese club Porto were eliminated.

'Historic Night'

Palmeiras' tactics of sitting off Miami proved ineffective, with Messi dropping deep and connecting up with Sergio Busquets and Federico Redondo as the Major League Soccer team dominated possession.

Palmeiras' solitary chance before the interval came when Facundo Torres found himself in a favourable position following some sloppy Miami defending, but his shot went wide.

Messi's first genuine attempt on goal came four minutes after the restart when he eked out just enough space on the edge of the box for a low shot, but Weverton was well positioned.  

Allende threatened again when he broke down the right and fired just wide of the post, and Messi sent a bouncing ball just over the bar as Miami pressed for a second goal.

In the 65th minute, Suarez, a 38-year-old former Barcelona striker, dribbled past two defenders before blasting into the top corner.

Miami wanted to finish first in the group to avoid a clash with PSG, but Palmeiras earned a critical point with their late comeback.

Substitute Paulinho scored in the 80th minute following an excellent reverse ball from Allan Andrade.

Then, with three minutes remaining, Maxi Falcon's header dropped directly to Mauricio, who pounced on the opportunity, blasting into the far corner to make it 2-2.

"It's a historic night for MLS because we're among the top 16 clubs in the world. "All of the MLS must be proud of Inter Miami," Miami coach Javier Mascherano told DAZN.

"We played with emotion. Normally, these types of games are more heated than those in our domestic league, but we also sought to advance with the ball by playing football," he explained.