Messi vs. PSG: Club World Cup Quarterfinal Draws Major Reunion

Inter Miami advance to the Club World Cup quarterfinals and will face Lionel Messi’s former club PSG in a blockbuster matchup. Full recap of the dramatic group stage finale.

Inter Miami are through to the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup, where they will face European giants Paris Saint-Germain — the former club of their star captain, Lionel Messi.

In their final Group A match at Hard Rock Stadium, Inter Miami played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Brazilian side Palmeiras. Both teams secured a place in the knockout stage, having started the match tied on points.

Luis Suarez and Tadeo Allende gave Miami a promising start with a goal each, but Palmeiras struck back late in the match with goals from Paulinho and Mauricio, leveling the contest and sealing top spot in the group. Miami finished second and now prepare for a much-anticipated clash with PSG, who won Group B after defeating the Seattle Sounders 2-0.

For the first time since his departure, Messi is set to go up against his former team, PSG, adding sentimental weight to the fixture. The encounter will also reunite several former Barcelona players — including Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and coach Javier Mascherano — with their ex-manager Luis Enrique, who now leads PSG.

Despite being a constant threat and drawing passionate support from the 60,000+ fans in attendance, Messi couldn’t find the net, and was visibly disappointed after Miami lost their lead in the closing minutes.

Elsewhere, Al Ahly and Porto were both eliminated following a dramatic 4-4 draw in New Jersey, leaving Miami and Palmeiras to progress from Group A.

With storylines involving former teammates, coaches, and clubs, the Miami vs. PSG quarterfinal is now one of the most anticipated fixtures in the Club World Cup.