Lionel Messi is set for a reunion with his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), after Inter Miami secured their spot in the Club World Cup's last 16. The Major League Soccer (MLS) side advanced despite a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Palmeiras on Monday. The draw secured spots for both teams in the knockout stages, with Palmeiras topping Group A on goal difference and Inter Miami finishing second.

Inter Miami had initially appeared to be on their way to a second surprise victory in the tournament, with goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez giving them a 2-0 lead. However, Palmeiras mounted a late comeback, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to secure the draw.

The result sets up a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash between Inter Miami and the European champions, Paris Saint-Germain. This match marks the first time Messi will face his former club since leaving them in 2023 to join Inter Miami. The game is scheduled to take place on Sunday in Atlanta.

PSG secured their place in the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders on Monday. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi scored for the French side, ensuring their progress as Group B winners.

The upcoming match between Inter Miami and PSG is generating significant buzz, given Messi's history with the Parisian club. He played for PSG from 2021 to 2023, joining a star-studded attack that included Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé. However, despite the high expectations, the team never advanced past the Round of 16 in the Champions League during his tenure.

Messi's departure from PSG was not without its share of controversy. Some PSG supporters voiced their displeasure with his signing, and he has since expressed his feelings about his time in Paris. In an interview earlier this year, Messi stated that he "didn't enjoy" his last years in Paris and "wasn't happy day to day." These comments are likely to resurface as the two sides prepare to face off.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the significance of the upcoming match. Alba, also a former Barcelona player, added, "We're talking about the champions of Europe. We know many of their players and their coach, who I was lucky enough to have coach me, and I've always said he is the best in the world. I will connect with good friends there but once the game starts, we will compete, try to beat them, and why can't we do it? This is football."

The match also holds significance for MLS, as Mascherano pointed out: "It's a historic night for MLS, because we are into the best 16 teams in the world. All of the MLS has to be proud of Inter Miami."