Inter Miami's journey through the FIFA Club World Cup took an unexpected turn as they drew 2-2 with Palmeiras in their final group stage match. This result, coupled with Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) victory over Seattle Sounders, has set the stage for a tantalizing round of 16 clash between Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and his former club, PSG.
The match against Palmeiras saw Inter Miami surge to a 2-0 lead, thanks to goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez. Allende capitalized on a counter-attack, while Suárez found the net with a left-footed finish. However, Palmeiras mounted a late comeback, with Paulinho and Mauricio scoring in the 80th and 87th minutes, respectively, to secure a draw. Despite the dropped points, the draw was enough to secure Inter Miami's passage to the round of 16.
Lionel Messi, who will turn 38 tomorrow, had a relatively quiet game against Palmeiras, failing to find the net despite the crowd chanting his name. While Messi did not score in the match against Palmeiras, his influence on the team remains undeniable. His presence elevates the performance of those around him, with players like Suárez and Allende benefiting from his experience and vision.
The draw, however, means Inter Miami finished second in Group A, setting up a meeting with Group B winners Paris Saint-Germain in the next round. PSG secured their place at the top of Group B with a 2-0 victory over Seattle Sounders. This sets the stage for a highly anticipated match between Messi and his former club.
Messi's tenure at PSG, from 2021 to 2023, saw him score 32 goals and provide 34 assists in 75 appearances. While he won two Ligue 1 titles with the Parisian club, his time there was often viewed as underwhelming, especially considering the club's failure to win the Champions League. A return to face them in a competitive environment like the Club World Cup offers a unique opportunity for Messi to perhaps settle some unspoken scores.
The upcoming match against PSG is laden with narrative. It marks a reunion between Messi and his former team. It also pits Inter Miami, representing Major League Soccer, against one of Europe's powerhouses. For Messi, it's a chance to prove his continued brilliance on a global stage and lead Inter Miami to an unprecedented achievement. For PSG, it's an opportunity to assert their dominance and potentially avenge any perceived slights from Messi's time in Paris.
Inter Miami's progress to the round of 16 is a significant achievement, especially considering the challenges MLS teams often face in international competitions. While their defense showed vulnerabilities against Palmeiras, their attack, led by Messi and Suárez, is capable of troubling any team. The match against PSG will be a stern test of their credentials, but also a chance to showcase the growing quality of soccer in North America.
