Inter Miami Advances to Club World Cup Knockout Stage, As Messi Faces PSG Next

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Inter Miami is through to the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stage, but a late collapse in Monday night’s 2-2 draw against Palmeiras has dramatically altered their path — and it’s now a steep uphill climb.
With a roaring crowd behind them at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami jumped out to a 2-0 lead that had them momentarily poised to top Group A and secure a favorable matchup. Goals from Tadeo Allende in the 16th minute and a vintage Luis Suárez strike in the 65th gave Miami what seemed to be a firm grip on the match. Allende burst forward from midfield to finish a clean breakaway, while Suárez conjured magic from chaos, keeping control under pressure before curling a stunning left-footed strike into the top corner.
But Palmeiras, the decorated Brazilian side, showed their pedigree and resilience. They roared back with a flurry of pressure and found the breakthrough through Paulinho in the 80th minute. Just seven minutes later, Mauricio completed the comeback with a clinical equalizer.
Statistically, Palmeiras dominated. The Brazilian giants fired off 22 shots (seven on target) compared to Miami’s eight total shots (three on goal), and posted a higher expected goals tally (1.49 to 1.24). While Inter Miami capitalized on their limited chances, they spent most of the second half on their heels.
The result was good enough to send both clubs through, as each entered the match tied atop the group with four points. But the draw left Miami in second place, meaning they won’t face Botafogo as initially hoped. Instead, they’ll meet UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain — Lionel Messi’s former club — this Sunday in Atlanta.
The storyline practically writes itself: Messi, turning 39 this week, now faces a reunion with the club where he etched some of his most recent European memories. But this time, he leads a different cause — one that represents Major League Soccer’s lone surviving hope. Seattle has already bowed out after three group-stage losses, and LAFC has also been eliminated.
PSG, meanwhile, boasts one of the most dangerous squads in the world, with stars like Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and rising phenom Désiré Doué. Coached by Luis Enrique and loaded with pace, depth, and Champions League experience, the French side will enter Sunday’s match as heavy favorites.
For Inter Miami, the dream lives on — but barely. To make history and continue their improbable run, they’ll need a performance for the ages from Messi and company. If there’s anyone capable of rewriting the script against the odds, it’s the man who made this tournament a global spectacle the moment he arrived.
Check out LifeWalletSports.com to get connected with all of our NIL athletes and partnered brands