Lionel Messi is poised for a reunion with his former club Paris Saint-Germain after guiding Inter Miami into the last 16 of the Club World Cup, following a 2-2 draw with Palmeiras.
The Brazilian side mounted a late comeback at Hard Rock Stadium to secure a point, ensuring both teams advanced to the knockout stages of the competition. Inter Miami, who had previously stunned Porto, appeared to be heading for another upset after taking a two-goal lead, but Palmeiras struck twice in the closing minutes to salvage the draw.
Tadeo Allende opened the scoring for Miami after 16 minutes, finishing confidently after latching onto a deft chest pass from Luis Suarez, who turned back the years with an excellent display. Suarez doubled Miamis advantage in the 65th minute with a brilliant solo effort, weaving past two defenders before smashing the ball into the top corner.
Palmeiras, however, refused to surrender. Substitute Paulinho reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, finishing smartly after being released by a clever reverse pass from Allan Andrade. Then, just three minutes from time, Mauricio pounced on a loose ball following Maxi Falcon's header and rifled home to make it 2-2.
Despite failing to hold on for victory, Inter Miamis place in the knockout stages marks a major achievement for the MLS club, who had not been widely expected to progress. Their reward is a daunting encounter against European champions PSG, which will see Messi face his old side for the first time since departing for Miami in 2023.