Lionel Messi Set To Return To PSG After Securing Club World Cup Last 16 Spot

Last Updated:June 24, 2025, 09:53 IST

For Messi, who turns 38 on Tuesday, the match in Atlanta will mark his first encounter with PSG since leaving them to join Miami in 2023.

Lionel Messi for Inter Miami (X)

Lionel Messi will reunite with his former club Paris Saint-Germain after Inter Miami advanced to the last 16 of the Club World Cup with a 2-2 draw against Palmeiras.

The Brazilian team rallied from a two-goal deficit to secure a draw at Hard Rock Stadium, ensuring both teams progressed to the knockout stages.

Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez had put Miami on track for another surprise victory following their win over Porto. However, Palmeiras responded with two goals in the final 10 minutes, courtesy of Paulinho and Mauricio, to confirm their place in the next round.

Few anticipated Miami would advance from the group, but they now face the European champions. Meanwhile, Palmeiras will play against Botafogo in an all-Brazilian match.

For Messi, who turns 38 on Tuesday, the match in Atlanta will mark his first encounter with PSG since leaving them to join Miami in 2023.

The result also led to the elimination of Egyptian club Al Ahly and Porto, despite their thrilling 4-4 draw at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Miami took the lead in the 16th minute when Suarez expertly chested a long pass into the path of the advancing Allende, who outpaced the Brazilian defence and calmly scored past Weverton.

Palmeiras’ only chance before halftime came when Facundo Torres found himself in a promising position after some sloppy Miami defending, but he shot wide.

Miami’s second goal came in the 65th minute as the 38-year-old former Barcelona striker Suarez dribbled past two defenders and powered the ball into the top corner.

Miami aimed to secure the top spot in the group to avoid facing PSG, but Palmeiras earned a crucial point with their late comeback.

Substitute Paulinho scored in the 80th minute following a clever reverse pass from Allan Andrade. Then, with three minutes remaining, Maxi Falcon’s header fell to Mauricio, who seized the opportunity and scored to make it 2-2.

“It’s a historic night for MLS because we are among the best 16 teams in the world. All of MLS should be proud of Inter Miami," said Miami coach Javier Mascherano to DAZN.

(with agency inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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