Sofia Quijada
Inter Miami are through to the Club World Cup last 16, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter with none other than Paris Saint-Germain. The reunion between Lionel Messi and his former club promises drama, quality, and nostalgic undertones that only football can deliver.
Miami secured their spot with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Palmeiras. Goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez had the MLS side cruising, but Palmeiras stormed back late through Paulinho and Mauricio to claim top spot in Group A. Inter settled for second and now prepare for a titanic clash with PSG, the Group B winners.
It’s a storyline drenched in history and sentiment. Messi, Suárez, Busquets, Alba, and coach Javier Mascherano will face Luis Enrique, the manager who guided them to treble glory at Barcelona in 2015. For fans, it’s a reunion loaded with tactical intrigue and emotional stakes.
“We’re talking about the champions of Europe,” said Jordi Alba. “Luis Enrique is the best coach in the world in my opinion. We’ll greet old friends, but once the whistle blows, we’re here to compete. Why not dream? This is football.”
Mascherano echoed the sentiment: “This is a historic night for MLS. We’re among the 16 best in the world—every MLS fan should be proud of what Inter Miami has achieved.”
Elsewhere, European champions PSG rebounded from a shock loss to Botafogo by beating Seattle Sounders 2-0. Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi ensured top spot, benefiting from Botafogo’s 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid.
“The pitch was tricky, not like in Europe,” noted Luis Enrique. “But we adapted, and now we move forward.” Star forward Ousmane Dembélé remains sidelined due to injury, having not featured in any of PSG’s group games.
Atletico Exit Despite Victory
Atletico Madrid bowed out despite a late 1-0 win over Botafogo. A stunning 87th-minute strike by Antoine Griezmann wasn’t enough to overturn their goal differential. “We’re gutted—we got six points but it wasn’t enough,” said coach Diego Simeone. His son, Giuliano Simeone, added, “I think we were denied two clear penalties. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Looking Ahead
On Tuesday, Bayern Munich face Benfica in Group C, while Boca Juniors meet eliminated Auckland City. Meanwhile, Chelsea take on Esperance Tunis with a last-16 spot at stake. Flamengo have already qualified and will test their depth against LAFC.
With knockout football around the corner and global giants on a collision course, the Club World Cup is heating up. And at the heart of it—once again—is Lionel Messi.