A blockbuster showdown is set for the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16, as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will face his former club, European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Both teams secured their spots in the knockout phase after the final group stage matches concluded, which also saw a major casualty in Atletico Madrid despite a final game win.
Inter Miami and Palmeiras played out a dramatic 2-2 draw on Monday. Inter Miami seemed destined for victory, taking a two-goal lead through a solo run and finish from Tadeo Allende and a brilliant individual goal from Luis Suarez. However, Palmeiras staged a late comeback, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to level the match. The draw saw both teams finish Group A with 5 points. Palmeiras secured the top spot on goal difference, while Inter Miami finished second, ensuring their progression. The match felt like an away game for Miami, with the crowd heavily favoring the Brazilian side.
The Road to the Round of 16
PSG, the champions of Europe, secured their place by topping Group B. They defeated Seattle Sounders FC 2-0 with goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi, bouncing back after a previous group stage loss. PSG coach Luis Enrique noted the challenge of adapting to pitch conditions different from what they are used to in Europe, while confirming top scorer Ousmane Dembele remained sidelined with injury.
The draw in Group A meant Inter Miami would face the winner of Group B – PSG – setting up the highly anticipated clash. Palmeiras, as Group A winners, will play Botafogo, who finished second in Group B.
Atletico Madrid’s Shock Elimination
In Group B, Atletico Madrid faced heartbreak despite securing a 1-0 victory over Botafogo, thanks to a late Antoine Griezmann goal. Atletico finished level on points with PSG and Botafogo, all accumulating six points from their three group matches. However, according to FIFA’s tie-breaking rules, which prioritize head-to-head results and then overall goal difference, Atletico’s earlier 4-0 defeat to PSG proved costly. They finished third in the group due to an inferior overall goal difference compared to PSG (+5) and Botafogo (+1), leaving them eliminated from the tournament.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone expressed frustration, stating his team felt “punished” despite earning six points. Winger Giuliano Simeone added to the disappointment, complaining about two penalty appeals being turned down during the crucial match, describing the situation as unprecedented in his experience.
Other Group Results
Elsewhere, the other Group A match between Porto and Al Ahly finished in a thrilling 4-4 draw. However, this result wasn’t enough for either side to qualify, as Inter Miami and Palmeiras had already secured the top two spots with their draw. Wessam Abou Ali scored a hat-trick for Al Ahly in front of a large, passionate crowd primarily supporting the Egyptian side. Porto saw goals from Pepe, Rodrigo Mora, William Gomes, and Samu Agheghowa in the high-scoring affair.
A Historic Night for MLS
Inter Miami’s qualification marks a significant moment for Major League Soccer (MLS). Coach Javier Mascherano celebrated the achievement, calling it a “historic night for MLS” and expressing pride that Inter Miami is representing the league among the best 16 teams globally. Miami is the only MLS team to reach the knockout stages, with fellow North American sides Seattle Sounders and LAFC already eliminated.
The upcoming Round of 16 match between Inter Miami and PSG is particularly enticing, not only for the Messi vs. his former club narrative but also for the reunion between Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Miami coach Javier Mascherano with their former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, who now manages PSG. Jordi Alba commented on the personal connection but emphasized the competitive spirit once the game begins, saying, “We will compete, try to beat them, and why can’t we do it?”
