Messi’s Inter Miami Set for Showdown with PSG as Club World Cup Round of 16 Takes Shape
By Wafric - Sport
Wafric News – June 24, 2025
Lionel Messi is set to face his former club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup, as Inter Miami secured progression despite a late collapse in a 2-2 draw against Brazil’s Palmeiras.
The result in Miami on Monday night ensured both sides advanced from Group A, with Palmeiras topping the group thanks to a dramatic late comeback. Inter Miami finished second, setting the stage for a headline clash between Messi and his old teammates from Paris.
PSG, now under the management of former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, eased past Seattle Sounders 2-0 to top Group B and book their place in the knockout phase. That win also saw them avoid an early exit after a shock loss to Botafogo in their opening game.
Miami had looked to be cruising after first-half goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez gave them a commanding lead. But Palmeiras struck twice in the final 10 minutes, with Paulinho and Mauricio salvaging a draw and sealing top spot.
The fixture now sees several ex-Barcelona stars — Messi, Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano — reunite with Enrique, who famously led Barça to a historic treble in 2015.
Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal against Palmeiras at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami
“We know the quality of PSG — they’re European champions, after all,” Alba said post-match. “But this is football. We respect them, but we believe we can beat them.”
Coach Mascherano hailed the result as a milestone not just for the club, but for Major League Soccer as a whole.
“This is a historic night for MLS. Inter Miami is now among the world’s top 16 clubs. The entire league should be proud,” he said.
Porto and Al Ahly Bow Out After 8-Goal Thriller
Elsewhere, a pulsating 4-4 draw between Porto and Egypt’s Al Ahly saw both teams crash out of the tournament. Despite Pepe's 89th-minute equaliser for Porto, neither side could leapfrog Palmeiras or Miami.
Porto's goals came from Rodrigo Mora, William Gomes, Samu Aghehowa, and veteran defender Pepe. Wessam Abou Ali netted a hat-trick for Al Ahly, thrilling a largely Egyptian crowd of nearly 40,000 at MetLife Stadium.
Both teams chased a winner in the dying moments, but the result ultimately ended their Club World Cup campaigns.
Atletico Madrid Crash Out Despite Victory
In Group B, Atletico Madrid defeated Botafogo 1-0, but it wasn’t enough to advance. Antoine Griezmann scored late to secure the win, but a heavy 4-0 defeat to PSG in their opener meant Atletico fell short on goal difference.
“We gave everything. We took six points, but it wasn’t enough,” said Atletico coach Diego Simeone. “It’s frustrating.”
Atletico also expressed frustration with the officiating, with winger Giuliano Simeone — the coach’s son — questioning two penalty decisions that were not awarded.
Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann react at the end of the match against Botafogo at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Los Angeles
“I’ve never seen anything like it. We should have had at least two penalties,” he said.
PSG's group-topping status was confirmed after goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi sealed a routine win against Seattle. Coach Luis Enrique admitted the artificial pitch in Seattle posed a challenge, but praised his team’s ability to adapt.
“There was little flow, but we got the job done,” Enrique said.
Star forward Ousmane Dembélé remained sidelined with injury and has yet to feature in the tournament.
Comment
To post a comment, you have to login first
LoginNo Comments Yet...