Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have made history by advancing to the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Brazilian giants Palmeiras. The clash, held at Hard Rock Stadium, saw Miami take a commanding 2-0 lead before a late fightback from Palmeiras sealed both teams’ place in the knockout stage.
This means that Lionel Messi will now face his former club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for the first time since his 2023 move to Inter Miami, adding another thrilling chapter to the Club World Cup 2025 story.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | FIFA Club World Cup 2025 |
| Match | Inter Miami vs Palmeiras |
| Venue | Hard Rock Stadium, USA |
| Final Score | 2-2 |
| Inter Miami Goal Scorers | Tadeo Allende (16′), Luis Suarez (65′) |
| Palmeiras Goal Scorers | Paulinho (80′), Mauricio (87′) |
| Attendance | 60,914 |
| Key Highlight | Messi to face PSG in next round |
Messi Pulls the Strings as Miami Shines
With Lionel Messi orchestrating play from deep, Inter Miami dominated the first half. His link-up with Sergio Busquets and Federico Redondo allowed Miami to control possession, frustrating Palmeiras who initially opted for a defensive setup.The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Luis Suarez chested down a long ball into the path of Tadeo Allende, who used his pace and composure to fire home the opener. Inter Miami’s sharp movement and fluid passing continued to trouble the Brazilian side.
Luis Suarez Rolls Back the Years
The second half saw Messi continue to influence the game. He had his first meaningful shot on target just after the restart, a low drive that Palmeiras keeper Weverton smartly saved.Luis Suarez doubled the lead in the 65th minute with a moment of individual brilliance. The former Barcelona striker, now 38, danced past two defenders before launching a rocket into the top corner, giving Miami a 2-0 lead that looked to seal the victory.
Late Drama as Palmeiras Stun Miami
Just when Inter Miami looked poised to top the group and avoid facing European champions PSG, Palmeiras mounted a dramatic late comeback.Substitute Paulinho pulled one back in the 80th minute after a clever pass from Allan Andrade, and seven minutes later, a loose ball fell to Mauricio, who made no mistake in leveling the scoreline at 2-2.The result ensured both teams progressed to the next round of the Club World Cup, with Inter Miami finishing second in the group, setting up a blockbuster clash against Paris Saint-Germain in Atlanta.
Historic Moment for MLS and Inter Miami
Inter Miami’s qualification marks a milestone for Major League Soccer (MLS). Their spirited performance, against seasoned international clubs like Palmeiras and Porto, has defied expectations and proven the club’s growth since the arrival of Lionel Messi in 2023. Coach Javier Mascherano praised his team’s performance, saying:
What’s Next: Messi vs PSG Showdown in Atlanta
The stage is now set for Lionel Messi to reunite with PSG, where he played from 2021 to 2023. This emotional and highly anticipated fixture is expected to draw global attention as fans witness Messi face stars like Kylian Mbappé and his former teammates.Meanwhile, Palmeiras will face a domestic battle against Botafogo, making it an all-Brazilian affair in the next round.
Key Talking Points
- Inter Miami Club World Cup performance surprises fans globally.
- Messi vs PSG is expected to be the biggest highlight of the Round of 16.
- Luis Suarez and Tadeo Allende shine for Inter Miami.
- Palmeiras’ comeback keeps both teams alive in the tournament.
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Conclusion
This thrilling encounter not only showcased the tactical growth of Inter Miami under Messi’s leadership but also set up one of the most awaited matches in recent memory — Lionel Messi vs Paris Saint-Germain. With both teams progressing, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 continues to deliver high-stakes drama, unexpected results, and iconic moments.
