Lionel Messi Extends Mind-Blowing Record as Inter Miami Make MLS History in Club World Cup
Inter Miami have achieved a significant milestone for Major League Soccer, becoming the first American team to qualify for the knockout stages of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup. This historic feat was sealed following their dramatic 2-2 draw against Brazilian side Palmeiras in their final Group A match.
The result saw The Herons finish second in Group A with five points, securing their spot in the last-16 of the prestigious global tournament. While a win would have seen them top the group, the draw was enough to write their name in the MLS history books.
Inter Miami’s success stands in stark contrast to the performance of other MLS teams in the competition. Both Los Angeles FC and Seattle Sounders finished bottom of their respective groups, with Seattle holding the unwelcome record of being the first side to lose all three group stage fixtures. LAFC was also on course to match this record having lost twice. Inter Miami is the only MLS club that managed to register points and claim a victory in the tournament.
Messi’s Unbroken Group Stage Streak Continues
A remarkable consequence of Inter Miami’s qualification is the extension of Lionel Messi’s stunning personal record. The legendary Argentine superstar, celebrating his 38th birthday around the time of the match, has now successfully advanced from every single one of the 33 group stages he has appeared in throughout his illustrious career for both club and country.
This incredible streak includes consistently navigating the group stages of the UEFA Champions League with European giants Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as progressing from the initial rounds of the FIFA World Cup and Copa America with the Argentina national team. It’s a testament to his unparalleled consistency and impact on every team he represents.
Dramatic Draw Sets Up Blockbuster PSG Clash
The match against Palmeiras itself was a captivating affair. Goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez initially put Inter Miami 2-0 up, giving them a strong chance of topping the group. However, a late surge from the Brazilian side saw them pull level with strikes from Paulinho and Mauricio in the closing ten minutes, forcing the 2-2 draw.
Finishing second in Group A means Inter Miami now face a daunting but hugely anticipated challenge: taking on tournament favorites Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16. Had Miami held onto their lead and finished first, they would have faced Botafogo, who finished second in Group B; however, PSG topped that group on goal difference.
The upcoming tie against the reigning European champions sets the stage for a fascinating reunion.
A Return to Paris: Messi vs. His Former Club
The match against PSG holds particular significance as it sees Lionel Messi face his former club. Messi spent two years in the French capital between 2021 and 2023, joining PSG after leaving Barcelona. Despite posting impressive statistics – scoring 32 goals and providing 35 assists in 75 appearances and winning Ligue 1 twice – his time there was often perceived as challenging and fraught with difficulties.
The failure to secure the coveted Champions League title, coupled with perceived underwhelming performances in crucial European ties, led to significant frustration and even backlash from sections of the PSG fanbase. Messi, who was universally adored at Barcelona, experienced the rare sensation of being booed by supporters in Paris, even being treated as an “enemy” by some.
The situation culminated in a widely publicised incident in May 2023 when Messi took an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia, resulting in a two-week suspension by the club. While he later issued a video apology, the episode seemed to solidify a “fracture” with a “significant group” of fans, marking a difficult end to his tenure. Facing his former employers – and potentially a hostile reception from any travelling fans – adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming clash. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has reportedly expressed hope that the encounter might serve as extra motivation for Messi.
Reunited with Luis Enrique & Former Teammates
The PSG tie also means a reunion for Messi and several of his current Inter Miami teammates – Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets – with their former Barcelona coach, Luis Enrique, who now manages PSG.
Speaking about the challenge, Jordi Alba acknowledged the strength of the opposition. “We’re talking about the champions of Europe,” he stated. “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.”
He added, “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.”
Miami boss Javier Mascherano echoed the sentiment of measured optimism, noting that PSG isn’t invincible, having already tasted defeat against Botafogo in the group stage. “We’ll take it seriously,” he commented on the upcoming match-up. “And we’ll try to play a great game to see what our chances are. Anything can happen in a soccer game and maybe Sunday will be our day. Sometimes that happens.”
A Glimpse of the Future: Messi Meets ‘Messinho’
Adding another notable moment from the group stage, Messi was seen swapping shirts with Palmeiras’ 18-year-old winger, Estevao Willian, often nicknamed ‘Messinho’ (‘Little Messi’) due to his playing style. The interaction at half-time marked the first meeting between the two players and gained attention, particularly as Estevao is set to join Chelsea in the near future.
While Messi’s group stage record remains flawless, the knockout rounds of the Club World Cup, starting with the formidable challenge of PSG, will test Inter Miami’s capabilities and Messi’s ability to influence high-stakes elimination games – a narrative point that has occasionally been highlighted regarding his career despite his immense success.
With qualification secured and a blockbuster tie on the horizon, Inter Miami and Lionel Messi continue to make waves on the global stage.
