Football fans around the globe are in for a thrilling showdown as Lionel Messi is set to face his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup. Messi’s current side, Inter Miami, secured their place in the knockout stages after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Brazil’s Palmeiras.
Goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez had put Miami on track for victory, but Palmeiras responded late with goals from Paulinho and Maurício in the final 10 minutes. The result ensured both teams advanced, with Palmeiras topping the group on goal difference.
Inter Miami Makes MLS History
Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami’s head coach, praised his squad’s performance, calling the draw a historic moment for Major League Soccer (MLS).
“I think it’s a historic night for MLS because we are into the best 16 teams in the world. All of MLS has to be proud of Inter Miami,” Mascherano told DAZN.
Inter Miami remains the only MLS side in the competition after the Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC were both eliminated.
A Barcelona Reunion on the Global Stage
The quarterfinal clash between PSG and Inter Miami will see several Barcelona legends reunited. Messi, Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Mascherano will go head-to-head with their former manager Luis Enrique, now in charge of PSG. The group famously won the treble together at FC Barcelona in 2015.
“Now we’ve got to compete against a PSG side that will be very tough,” said Alba. “We know their players and coach well. Let’s go out there and try to beat them — this is football, anything is possible.”
PSG, the reigning European champions, advanced to the quarterfinals after a 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders with goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi.
Other Results:
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Palmeiras will face fellow Brazilian side Botafogo in the quarterfinals.
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Atlético Madrid was eliminated despite a win over Botafogo due to goal difference.
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In Group A, Porto and Egypt’s Al Ahly played a thrilling 4-4 draw, resulting in elimination for both.
Quarterfinal Match:
PSG vs Inter Miami — Sunday
