Messi set for PSG reunion as Inter Miami, Palmeiras qualify for Club World Cup last 16 after thrilling draw

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are through to the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Brazilian giants Palmeiras on Monday at Hard Rock Stadium.

The result secured both teams’ progression from Group A, while simultaneously eliminating Al Ahly and FC Porto, who bowed out of the tournament after a wild 4-4 draw in New Jersey.

Miami appeared poised for a second straight upset win after building a 2-0 lead through goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez. But Palmeiras mounted a late comeback, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes through Paulinho and Mauricio to snatch a draw and top the group on goal difference.


The result sets up a blockbuster Round of 16 clash between Inter Miami and European champions Paris Saint-Germain - a highly anticipated reunion between Messi and his former club in Atlanta.


It will be the first time the Argentine legend faces PSG since leaving them in 2023 to join Miami. Fittingly, the match will come just days after Messi’s 38th birthday.

Palmeiras, meanwhile, will take on fellow Brazilian side Botafogo in an all-South American showdown in Philadelphia.

Palmeiras started brightly, nearly scoring early through Gustavo Gomez, but it was Miami who struck first. In the 16th minute, Suarez expertly chested down a long pass and set up Allende, who raced through on goal and coolly slotted past Weverton.


Messi had a few chances of his own-testing the Palmeiras keeper early in the second half and firing just over from distance - but it was Suarez who stole the spotlight again in the 65th minute. The veteran striker dribbled past two defenders before unleashing a rocket into the top corner to double the lead.

Palmeiras saved the best for the last as Paulinho reduced the lead in the 80th minute, latching onto a clever reverse pass from Allan Andrade, before Mauricio equalized in the 87th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball to drill home a low finish and deny Miami top spot in the group.