Inter Miami has advanced to the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup, setting up a highly anticipated clash with European champions Paris Saint-Germain—a matchup that will see Lionel Messi take on his former club for the first time since departing in 2023.
The American side secured progression after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Brazilian champions Palmeiras in their final Group A match. Goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez had initially put Miami on course for victory, but late strikes from Paulinho and Maurício ensured the points were shared. Despite the result, both teams finished the group stage with five points, with Palmeiras topping the group on goal difference.
With Portuguese giants FC Porto and Egyptian champions Al Ahly eliminated following a thrilling 4-4 draw in their final group game, Miami and Palmeiras secured the two qualification spots. Palmeiras will now meet domestic rivals Botafogo in an all-Brazilian Round of 16 encounter.
Inter Miami’s campaign marks a historic milestone for Major League Soccer, as the only MLS club to reach the knockout stage. Fellow American teams Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC both failed to progress, with the Sounders exiting after a 2-0 defeat to PSG, who secured their own passage thanks to goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi.
The upcoming clash between PSG and Inter Miami will be a reunion on multiple fronts. Messi spent two seasons at PSG following his departure from Barcelona, while Inter Miami boasts a core of ex-Barcelona stars including Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and head coach Javier Mascherano. All were part of the historic treble-winning side under Luis Enrique in 2015—who now manages PSG.
Speaking after the match, Alba reflected on the significance of the matchup, acknowledging the challenge ahead but expressing confidence in Miami’s ability to compete against Europe’s best.
In Group B, Atlético Madrid was eliminated despite a narrow 1-0 win over Botafogo. All three top teams in the group—Atlético, PSG, and Botafogo—ended with six points, but the Spanish side lost out on goal difference.
Inter Miami and PSG will meet on Sunday in a knockout tie packed with narratives and familiar faces, as Messi and his teammates aim to defy the odds against one of Europe’s elite clubs.
